Aldosterone-sensitive nucleus tractus solitarius neurons regulate sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex in high sodium-loaded rats

Abstract

We examined the role of aldosterone-sensitive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the arterial baroreceptor reflex (baroreflex) function. Baroreflex sensitivity was induced by phenylephrine in high sodium-loaded rats and was significantly reduced. This baroreflex sensi-tivity was reversed by microinjection of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist eplerenone into the NTS. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 neurons and MR were also identified in the NTS. These data suggest that the aldosterone-sensitive neurons in the NTS may have an impor-tant role in baroreflex function. ©2010 The Japanese Pharmacological Society.