Stimulation of a2-adrenergic receptors in nucleus tractus solitarius is required for the baroreceptor reflex

Alan F. Sved, Kazuyoshi Tsukamoto and Ann M. Schreihofer Brain Research, 576 (1992) 297-303 This study was investigating the role of α2 adrenergic receptors in the NTS, specifically if they are involved in baroreceptor reflex. In rats they gave yohimbine and idazoxan (both are αs adrenergic receptor blockers) in a dose dependent matter into the NTS. They both caused an increase in arterial pressure. Stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve (ADN) resulted in decreases in arterial pressure and HR. They next gave the doses of yohimbine and idazoxan that caused the maximum response in arterial pressure blocked the decrease in arterial and heart rate when the ADN stimulated. The results suggests that α2 adrenergic receptors are important for mediating the baroreceptor reflex response in the NTS.-MD