Unilateral vagotomy alters astrocyte and microglial morphology in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat.

ABSTRACT: The nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) is the initial site of integration of sensory information from the cardiorespiratory system and contributes to reflex responses to hypoxia. Afferent fibers of the bilateral vagus nerves carry input from the heart, lungs, and other organs to the nTS where it is processed and modulated. Vagal afferents and nTS neurons are integrally associated with astrocytes and microglia that contribute to neuronal activity and influence cardiorespiratory control. We hypothesized that vagotomy would alter glial morphology and cardiorespiratory responses to hypoxia. Unilateral vagotomy (or sham surgery) was performed in rats. Prior to and seven days after surgery, baseline and hypoxic cardiorespiratory responses were monitored in conscious and anesthetized animals. The br

SUBMITTER: Hofmann GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8285617 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature