DIFFERENT EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES TO STUDY THE SYMPATHETIC MODULATION IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF RATS

Abstract

The main purpose of the present review is to present the experience of our laboratory on the last few years on studies related to the neurotransmission of the sympatho- xcitatory component of the chemoreflex in the nucleus tractus solitary (NTS) of rats. The experimental approach of the chemoreflex activation has been used as a model for the understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms involved in the generation and modulation of the sympathetic activity, which have influence on the cardiovascular system on physiological and pathophysiological circumstances such as arterial hypertension. The specific focus of this review is the neurotransmission of the sympatho-excitatory component of the chemoreflex in the NTS but also we present several methods and experimental approaches used currently in our laboratory in order to understand this complex neurotransmission system. Using this combination of methods from the NTS neurons to the awake rat, we wish to discuss the use of several contemporary techniques, which are allowing us to expand the frontiers of this important scientific area.