Premium
C1 neurons excite locus coeruleus and A5 noradrenergic neurons along with sympathetic outflow in rats
Author(s) -
Abbott S. B.,
Kanbar R.,
Bochorishvili G.,
Coates M. B.,
Stornetta R. L.,
Guyenet P. G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.232157
Subject(s) - locus coeruleus , photostimulation , neuroscience , stimulation , brainstem , chemistry , rostral ventrolateral medulla , pons , medicine , excitatory postsynaptic potential , endocrinology , kynurenic acid , nucleus , biology , glutamate receptor , medulla oblongata , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , central nervous system , receptor
Key points• C1 neurons activate sympathetic tone and stimulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in circumstances such as pain, hypoxia or hypotension. • C1 neurons innervate pontine noradrenergic cell groups, including the locus coeruleus (LC) and A5. • In this study, using an optogenetic approach in anaesthetized rats, we show that C1 neurons form excitatory synapses with LC neurons and that selective stimulation of C1 neurons activates LC and A5 neurons. • These results show that the C1 neurons activate pontine noradrenergic neurons through the release of glutamate. This effect may be important in the arousal‐promoting effects of hypoxia and pain.