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5‐Hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5‐HT2C) augments synaptic currents in the nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS)
Author(s) -
Austgen James R,
Dantzler Heather,
Kline David D
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.844.9
5‐HT2 receptors in the medulla have been demonstrated to be involved in modulating the cardiorespiratory system and autonomic reflexes. The nTS is the primary termination and integration point for cardiorespiratory afferents in the brainstem. The distribution of the 5‐HT2C receptor and the role of these receptors on synaptic activity in the nTS remain unknown. Immunohistochemical analysis examined the distribution of 5‐HT2C receptor in the nTS. Patch clamp electrophysiology examined the role of endogenous 5‐HT2C on modulating excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in monosynaptic nTS neurons in the rat brainstem slice. 5‐HT2C‐immunoreactivity was observed throughout the nTS in close apposition to synaptophysin, a presynaptic terminal marker. Bath application of a 5‐HT2C receptor antagonist (RS 102221, 100 uM, n=4) reduced EPSC amplitude (p<0.05) and decay (p<0.05) of solitary tract evoked currents (0.5 Hz, 30 sweeps), but did not alter the paired pulse ratio of two evoked EPSCs (50 ms interval). Antagonist application hyperpolarized cell membrane potential (p<0.05). These data suggest that 5‐HT2C receptors in the nTS are located postsynaptically, and can augment excitatory neurotransmission. Supported by HL 085108 (DDK)