Development of Chemosensitivity in Neurons from the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii (NTS) of Neonatal Rats

Authors

Susan C. Conrad
Nicole L. Nichols
Nick A. Ritucci, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow
Jay B. Dean
Robert W. Putnam, Wright State University - Main CampusFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-31-2009

Abstract

We studied the development of chemosensitivity during the neonatal period in rat nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons. We determined the percentage of neurons activated by hypercapnia (15% CO₂) and assessed the magnitude of the response by calculating the chemosensitivity index (CI). There were no differences in the percentage of neurons that were inhibited (9%) or activated (44.8%) by hypercapnia or in the magnitude of the activated response (CI 164 ± 4.9%) in NTS neurons from neonatal rats of all ages. To assess the degree of intrinsic chemosensitivity in these neurons we used chemical synaptic block medium and the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone. Chemical synaptic block medium slightly decreased basal firing rate but did not affect the percentage of NTS neurons that responded to hypercapnia at any neonatal age. However, in neonates aged

Repository Citation

Conrad, S. C., Nichols, N. L., Ritucci, N. A., Dean, J. B., & Putnam, R. W. (2009). Development of Chemosensitivity in Neurons from the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii (NTS) of Neonatal Rats. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, 166 (1), 4-12.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/ncbp/708

DOI

10.1016/j.resp.2008.11.005