NMDA RECEPTORS IN THE DORSAL VAGAL COMPLEX OF NORMAL AND DIABETIC MICE

摘要: OF DISSERTATION NMDA RECEPTORS IN THE DORSAL VAGAL COMPLEX NORMAL AND DIABETIC MICE The dorsal vagal complex (DVC), containing the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) and motor vagus nerve (DMV), plays a pivotal role in autonomic regulation. Afferent fibers from peripheral organs higher brain centers synapse NTS, which integrates these synaptic connections as well information systemically circulating hormones metabolites. integrated is relayed to turn, projects elicit parasympathetic control digestive other viscera. Physiological functions mediated by DVC are disrupted diabetic patients plasticity within has been linked complications. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors have extensively studied for their involvement variety central nervous system disorders; activation modulates hepatic glucose production feeding behavior. Although chronic disease can alter function, changes expression and/or sensitivity states not addressed. Using whole cell electrophysiology, functional properties nuclei were investigated normoglycemic type 1 mice. Preterminal (preNMDA) discovered tonically modulate excitatory neurotransmission on terminals contacting DMV neurons. While preNMDA found differentially tonic neurotranmission, soma-dendritic receptor responses NTS neurons augmented Through use single-cell PCR, increased could be correlated that mediate would argue increase output. In general, enhancing output decreases activity connected organs. Molecular approaches employed corroborate observed protein mRNA levels. Overall, results involved mice enhance neurotransmission. This modulation may potentially serve physiological counter regulatory mechanism pathological disturbances gastrointestinal homeostatic reflex responses.