Mechanisms Underlying Neuroplasticity in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii Following Hindlimb Unloading in Rats.

ABSTRACT: Hindlimb unloading (HU) in rats induces cardiovascular deconditioning (CVD) analogous to that observed in individuals exposed to microgravity or bed rest. Among other physiological changes, HU rats exhibit autonomic imbalance and altered baroreflex function. Lack of change in visceral afferent activity that projects to the brainstem in HU rats suggests that neuronal plasticity within central nuclei processing cardiovascular afferents may be responsible for these changes in CVD and HU. The nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) is a critical brainstem region for autonomic control and integration of cardiovascular reflexes. In this study, we used patch electrophysiology, live-cell calcium imaging and molecular methods to investigate the effects of HU on glutamatergic synaptic transmission and intri

SUBMITTER: Lima-Silveira L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7679027 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature