Participation of opiate receptors located in the nucleus tractus solitarii in the hypotension induced by alpha-methyldopa.
The local administration of the opiate receptor antagonist, naltrexone, into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) inhibited the hypotension induced by systemically injected alpha-methyldopa in conscious rats. In addition, the local injection into the NTS of a beta-endorphin antiserum but not of antisera against [Met5]enkephalin and dynorphin A(1-13) prevented the alpha-methyldopa-induced hypotension. These results suggest a role of opiate receptors in the NTS, or in a closely located medullary site, in the centrally mediated hypotension induced by alpha-methyldopa.
Van Giersbergen
P L
PL
Rudolf Magnus Institute, Medical Faculty, State University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Roording
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de Lang
H
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de Jong
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D000818:Animals; D004723:Endorphins / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism*; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000494:pharmacology; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008750:Methyldopa / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D004723:Endorphins; D007106:Immune Sera; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D008750:Methyldopa; D009271:Naltrexone