Aldosterone-Sensitive Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Neurons Regulate Sensitivity of the Baroreceptor Reflex in High Sodium–Loaded Rats

Abstract

We examined the role of aldosterone-sensitive neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the arterial baroreceptor reflex (baroreflex) function. Baroreflex sensitivity was induced by phenylephrine in high sodium–loaded rats and was significantly reduced. This baroreflex sensitivity was reversed by microinjection of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist eplerenone into the NTS. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 neurons and MR were also identified in the NTS. These data suggest that the aldosterone-sensitive neurons in the NTS may have an important role in baroreflex function. Keywords:: aldosterone-sensitive nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neuron, arterial baroreceptor reflex, mineralocorticoid (MR) antagonist eplerenone