title: Diazepam-sensitive GABA(A) receptors in the NTS participate in cardiovascular control.
abstract: The present study employed neuropharmacological and receptor binding protocols to determine if diazepam-sensitive (DS) gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) participate in autonomic regulation of cardiovascular function. The first set of protocols was designed to determine if GABA(A) receptors in the NTS were functionally modulated by the benzodiazepine agonist, diazepam. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate responses to microinjection of GABAergic substances into the NTS were examined in urethane-anesthetized rats. Microinjection of the GABA(A) agonist isoguvacine into the NTS increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and these effects were blocked by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Preadministration of diazepam into the NTS potentiated the pressor actions of isoguvacine and had variable effects on heart rate changes. Flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, blocked the diazepam-induced potentiation of the pressor response to isoguvacine. The second protocol employed receptor autoradiography to examine the presence of DS and diazepam-insensitive (DI) GABA(A) receptors in the NTS. Autoradiography confirmed that DS GABA(A) receptors were present in the NTS; however, no measurable levels of DI GABA(A) receptors were detected. We conclude that GABA(A)-mediated integration of central autonomic control in the NTS is mediated solely by DS GABA(A) receptors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA. kirk-barron@uokhsc.edu
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Barron
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pavelka
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Garrett
mesh_terms: D000345:Affinity Labels; D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001345:Autoradiography; D001386:Azides / Q000378:metabolism; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D007539:Isonicotinic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D017552:Solitary Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D000345:Affinity Labels; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001386:Azides; D018755:GABA Agonists; D007539:Isonicotinic Acids; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D014316:Tritium; D001569:Benzodiazepines; C042957:Ro 15-4513; D003975:Diazepam; C015300:isoguvacine