Carlos Crestani - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Carlos Crestani

Research paper thumbnail of Correction: Effect of Voluntary Ethanol Consumption Combined with Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Function in Rats: Influence of Exercise Training

PLOS ONE, 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146974.].

Research paper thumbnail of Insular Cortex Noradrenergic Neurotransmission Modulates the Baroreflex in Rats

The Faseb Journal, Mar 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Voluntary Ethanol Consumption Combined with Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Function in Rats: Influence of Exercise Training

PLOS ONE, 2016

This study evaluated the effects of voluntary ethanol consumption combined with testosterone trea... more This study evaluated the effects of voluntary ethanol consumption combined with testosterone treatment on cardiovascular function in rats. Moreover, we investigated the influence of exercise training on these effects. To this end, male rats were submitted to low-intensity training on a treadmill or kept sedentary while concurrently being treated with ethanol for 6 weeks. For voluntary ethanol intake, rats were given access to two bottles, one containing ethanol and other containing water, three 24-hour sessions per week. In the last two weeks (weeks 5 and 6), animals underwent testosterone treatment concurrently with exercise training and exposure to ethanol. Ethanol consumption was not affected by either testosterone treatment or exercise training. Also, drug treatments did not influence the treadmill performance improvement evoked by training. However, testosterone alone, but not in combination with ethanol, reduced resting heart rate. Moreover, combined treatment with testosterone and ethanol reduced the pressor response to the selective α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. Treatment with either testosterone or ethanol alone also affected baroreflex activity and enhanced depressor response to acetylcholine, but these effects were inhibited when drugs were coadministrated. Exercise training restored most cardiovascular effects evoked by drug treatments. Furthermore, both drugs administrated alone increased pressor response to phenylephrine in trained animals. Also, drug treatments inhibited the beneficial effects of training on baroreflex function. In conclusion, the present results suggest a potential interaction between toxic effects of testosterone and ethanol on cardiovascular function. Data also indicate that exercise training is an important factor influencing the effects of these substances.

Research paper thumbnail of Dissociation in control of physiological and behavioral responses to emotional stress by cholinergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rats

Neuropharmacology, Jan 21, 2015

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain structure implicated in physiologic... more The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain structure implicated in physiological and behavioral responses to emotional stress. However, the local neurochemical mechanisms mediating the BNST control of stress responses are not fully known. Here, we investigated the involvement of BNST cholinergic neurotransmission, acting via muscarinic receptors, in cardiovascular (increase in blood pressure and heart rate and fall in tail skin temperature) and neuroendocrine (increase in plasma corticosterone) responses and behavioral consequences (anxiogenic-like effect in the elevated plus-maze) evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. Bilateral microinjection into the BNST of either the choline uptake inhibitor hemicholinium-3 (3 nmol/100 nl) or the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (3 nmol/100 nl) enhanced the heart rate increase and inhibited the anxiogenic-like effect observed in the elevated plus-maze evoked by restraint. However, neither hemicholinium-3 nor m...

Research paper thumbnail of Chemoreflex and baroreflex alterations in Parkinsonism induced by 6-OHDA in unanesthetized rats

Neuroscience Letters, 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) ... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly characterized by motor signals. However, non-motor signals also affect and decrease the quality of life of PD patients. Among these non-motor signs are cardiovascular disorders as orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias, which may be due to the involvement of both central nervous system and peripheral autonomic nervous system. In the present study we investigated the cardiovascular function, evaluating cardiovascular reflexes (chemoreflex and baroreflex), in an animal model of Parkinsonism induced by bilateral infusion of the toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The results showed that the animals induced to Parkinsonism had lower arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate HR) compared to control animals. We showed that after activation of the baroreceptors by phenylephrine (Phe) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the baroreflex sensitivity index was not changed between the groups. However, there was a greater increase in the AP when stimulated with Phe and greater tachycardia when stimulated with SNP in 6-OHDA animals. After activation of the peripheral chemoreceptors through KCN injection (cytotoxic hypoxia), there was a higher increase in pressor and bradycardic response in injured animals with bilateral 6-OHDA. These changes in the cardiovascular reflexes may be important adjustments mechanisms to maintain the cerebral blood flow in those animals, and may be a result of denervation supersensitivity to catecholamines in autonomic targets.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor or fluoxetine treatment on depression-like state and cardiovascular changes induced by chronic variable stress in rats

Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Jan 11, 2015

Comorbidity between mood disorders and cardiovascular disease has been described extensively. How... more Comorbidity between mood disorders and cardiovascular disease has been described extensively. However, available antidepressants can have cardiovascular side effects. Treatment with selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) induces antidepressant effects, but whether the antidepressant-like effects of these drugs are followed by cardiovascular changes has not been previously investigated. Here, we tested in male rats exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) the hypothesis that nNOS blockers are advantageous compared with conventional antidepressants in terms of cardiovascular side effects. We compared the effects of chronic treatment with the preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) with those evoked by the conventional antidepressant fluoxetine on alterations that are considered as markers of depression (immobility in the forced swimming test, FST, decreased body weight gain and increased plasma corticosterone concentration) and cardiovascular changes ...

Research paper thumbnail of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulate the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats

Pharmacological research : the official journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society, Jan 28, 2015

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in behavioral and physiological responses to... more The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress through its action in several limbic structures, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Nevertheless, the role of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the BNST in cardiovascular adjustments during aversive threat is unknown. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the involvement of CRF receptors within the BNST in cardiovascular responses evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. For this, we evaluated the effects of bilateral treatment of the BNST with selective agonists and antagonists of either CRF1 or CRF2 receptors in the arterial pressure and heart rate increase and the decrease in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. Microinjection of the selective CRF1 receptor antagonist CP376395 into the BNST reduced the pressor and tachycardiac responses caused by restraint. Conversely, BNST treatment with the selective CRF1 receptor agonist CR...

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate and long-term effects of psychological stress during adolescence in cardiovascular function: comparison of homotypic vs heterotypic stress regimens

International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience, 2015

Adolescence has been proposed as an ontogenic period of vulnerability to stress. Nevertheless, th... more Adolescence has been proposed as an ontogenic period of vulnerability to stress. Nevertheless, the impact of stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular activity is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-lasting effects of exposure to stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular function of rats. To this end, we compared the impact of 10-days exposure to two chronic stress protocols: the repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic) and chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic). Independent groups of animals were tested 24h (immediate) or three weeks (long-lasting) following completion of stress period. Exposure to CVS, but not RRS, during adolescence increased basal HR values without affecting arterial pressure, which was followed by augmented power of oscillatory component at low frequency (sympathetic-related) of the pulse interval (PI). RRS enhanced variance of the PI with an increase in the power of bot...

Research paper thumbnail of Stress Vulnerability During Adolescence

Psychosomatic Medicine, 2015

Objective: This study investigated the physiological and somatic changes evoked by daily exposure... more Objective: This study investigated the physiological and somatic changes evoked by daily exposure to the same type of stressor (homotypic) or different aversive stressor stimuli (heterotypic) in adolescent and adult rats, with a focus on cardiovascular function. The long-term effects of stress exposure during adolescence were also investigated longitudinally. Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic) or chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic).

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of the single or combined administration of cocaine and testosterone in autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to acute restraint stress

Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2012

Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids (AASs) has become a serious public health probl... more Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids (AASs) has become a serious public health problem. Despite reports of an increase in the incidence of simultaneous abuse of these substances, potential toxic interactions between cocaine and AASs are poorly known. In the present study, we investigated the effects of either single or combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for one or 10 consecutive days on autonomic (arterial pressure, heart rate and tail cutaneous temperature) and neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone) responses induced by acute restraint stress in rats. Combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for 10 days reduced the increase in heart rate and plasma corticosterone level, as well as the fall in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. Furthermore, repeated administration of cocaine inhibited the increase in arterial pressure observed during restraint, and this effect was not affected by coadministration of testosterone. Ten-day combined administration of testosterone and cocaine increased basal values of arterial pressure. Moreover, chronic administration of testosterone induced rest bradycardia and elevated basal level of plasma corticosterone. One-day single or combined administration of the drugs did not affect any parameter investigated. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that combined administration of testosterone and cocaine changed the autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to acute restraint stress. These findings suggest that interaction between AASs and cocaine may affect the ability to cope with stressful events.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the Single or Combined Administration of Cocaine and Testosterone on Cardiovascular Function and Baroreflex Activity in Unanesthetized Rats

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 2012

Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids has become a serious public health problem. Des... more Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids has become a serious public health problem. Despite reports of an increase in the incidence of simultaneous illicit use of these substances, potential toxic interactions between cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids in the cardiovascular system are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of single or combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for 1 or 10 consecutive days on basal cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex activity, and hemodynamic responses to vasoactive agents in unanesthetized rats. Ten-day combined administration of testosterone and cocaine increased baseline arterial pressure. Changes in arterial pressure were associated with altered baroreflex activity and impairment of both hypotensive response to intravenous sodium nitroprusside and pressor effect of intravenous phenylephrine. Chronic single administration of either testosterone or cocaine did not affect baseline arterial pressure. However, testosterone-treated animals presented rest bradycardia, cardiac hypertrophy, alterations in baroreflex activity, and enhanced response to sodium nitroprusside. Repeated administration of cocaine affected baroreflex activity and impaired vascular responsiveness to both sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. One-day single or combined administration of the drugs did not affect any parameter investigated. In conclusion, the present results suggest a potential interaction between toxic effects of cocaine and testosterone on the cardiovascular activity. Changes in baseline arterial pressure after combined administration of these 2 drugs may result from alterations in baroreflex activity and impairment of vascular responsiveness to vasoactive agents.

Research paper thumbnail of Lateral septal area α1- and α2-adrenoceptors differently modulate baroreflex activity in unanesthetized rats

Experimental Physiology, 2011

The lateral septal area (LSA) is a limbic structure involved in autonomic, neuroendocrine and beh... more The lateral septal area (LSA) is a limbic structure involved in autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioural responses. An inhibitory influence of the LSA on baroreflex activity has been reported; however, the local neurotransmitter involved in this modulation is still unclear. In the present study, we verified the involvement of local LSA adrenoceptors in modulating cardiac baroreflex activity in unanaesthetized rats. Bilateral microinjection of the selective α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 (10 nmol in a volume of 100 nl) into the LSA decreased baroreflex bradycardia evoked by blood pressure increases, but had no effect on reflex tachycardia evoked by blood pressure decreases. Nevertheless, bilateral administration of the selective α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 (10 nmol in 100 nl) increased baroreflex tachycardia without affecting reflex bradycardia. Treatment of the LSA with a cocktail containing WB4101 and RX821002 decreased baroreflex bradycardia and increased reflex tachycardia. The nonselective β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 nmol in 100 nl) did not affect either reflex bradycardia or tachycardia. Microinjection of noradrenaline into the LSA increased reflex bradycardia and decreased the baroreflex tachycardic response, an opposite effect compared with those observed after double blockade of α 1 -and α 2 -adrenoceptors, and this effect of noradrenaline was blocked by local LSA pretreatment with the cocktail containing WB4101 and RX821002. The present results provide advances in our understanding of the baroreflex neural circuitry. Taken together, data suggest that local LSA α 1 -and α 2 -adrenoceptors modulate baroreflex control of heart rate differently. Data indicate that LSA α 1 -adrenoceptors exert a facilitatory modulation on baroreflex bradycardia, whereas local α 2 -adrenoceptors exert an inhibitory modulation on reflex tachycardia.

Research paper thumbnail of Cannabidiol administration into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis alters cardiovascular responses induced by acute restraint stress through 5-HT1A receptor

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2013

Systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is able to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acu... more Systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is able to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress through activation of 5-HT 1A receptors. Previous results from our group suggest that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is involved in the antiaversive effects of the CBD. Moreover, it has been proposed that synapses within the BNST influence restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes, in particular by an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response associated to restraint stress. Thus, the present work investigated the effects of CBD injected into the BNST on cardiovascular changes induced by acute restraint stress and if these effects would involve the local activation of 5-HT 1A receptors. The exposition to restraint stress increased both blood pressure and heart rate (HR). The microinjection of CBD (30 and 60 nmol) into the BNST enhanced the restraint-evoked HR increase, in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the pressor response. The selective 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 by itself did not change the cardiovascular responses to restraint stress, but blocked the effects of CBD. These results showed that CBD microinjected into the BNST enhanced the HR increase associated with acute restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure response. Although these results are not in agreement with those observed after systemic administration of CBD, they are similar to effects observed after reversible inactivation of the BNST. Moreover, similar to the effects observed after systemic administration, CBD effects in the BNST seem to depend on activation of 5-HT 1A receptors.

Research paper thumbnail of Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus glutamate neurotransmission modulates autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute restraint stress in rats

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2013

In the present study, the involvement of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) glutam... more In the present study, the involvement of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) glutamate receptors in the modulation of autonomic (arterial blood pressure, heart rate and tail skin temperature) and neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone) responses and behavioral consequences evoked by the acute restraint stress in rats was investigated. The bilateral microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol/ 100 nL) into the PVN reduced the arterial pressure increase as well as the fall in the tail cutaneous temperature induced by the restraint stress, without affecting the stress-induced tachycardiac response. On the other hand, the pretreatment of the PVN with the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nL) was able to increase the stress-evoked pressor and tachycardiac response, without affecting the fall in the cutaneous tail temperature. The treatment of the PVN with LY235959 also reduced the increase in plasma corticosterone levels during stress and inhibited the anxiogenic-like effect observed in the elevated plus-maze 24h after the restraint session. The present results show that NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in the PVN differently modulate responses associated to stress. The PVN glutamate neurotransmission, via non-NMDA receptors, has a facilitatory influence on stress-evoked autonomic responses. On the other hand, the present data point to an inhibitory role of PVN NMDA receptors on the cardiovascular responses to stress. Moreover, our findings also indicate an involvement of PVN NMDA glutamate receptors in the mediation of the plasma corticosterone response as well as in the delayed emotional consequences induced by the restraint stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor and nitric oxide in cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise in rats

European Journal of Pharmacology, 2013

Dynamic exercise evokes sustained cardiovascular responses, which are characterized by arterial p... more Dynamic exercise evokes sustained cardiovascular responses, which are characterized by arterial pressure and heart rate increases. Although it is well accepted that there is central nervous system mediation of cardiovascular adjustments during exercise, information on the role of neural pathways and signaling mechanisms is limited. It has been reported that glutamate, by acting on NMDA receptors, evokes the release of nitric oxide through activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NMDA receptors and nNOS are involved in cardiovascular responses evoked by an acute bout of exercise on a rodent treadmill. Moreover, we investigated possible central sites mediating control of responses to exercise through the NMDA receptor-nitric oxide pathway. Intraperitoneal administration of the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) reduced both the arterial pressure and heart rate increase evoked by dynamic exercise. Intraperitoneal treatment with the preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole reduced exercise-evoked tachycardiac response without affecting the pressor response. Moreover, treadmill running increased NO formation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), bed nucleus of the stria teminalis (BNST) and periaqueductal gray (PAG), and this effect was inhibited by systemic pretreatment with MK-801. Our findings demonstrate that NMDA receptors and nNOS mediate the tachycardiac response to dynamic exercise, possibly through an NMDA receptor-NO signaling mechanism. However, NMDA receptors, but not nNOS, mediate the exercise-evoked pressor response. The present results also provide evidence that MPFC, BNST and PAG may modulate physiological adjustments during dynamic exercise through NMDA receptor-NO signaling.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of the insular cortex in the consolidation and expression of contextual fear conditioning

European Journal of Neuroscience, 2013

The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to be involved in the modulation of memory and autonomi... more The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to be involved in the modulation of memory and autonomic and defensive responses. However, there is conflicting evidence about the role of the IC in fear conditioning. To explore the IC involvement in both behavioral and autonomic responses induced by contextual fear conditioning, we evaluated the effects of the reversible inhibition of the IC neurotransmission through bilateral microinjections of the non-selective synapse blocker CoCl2 (1 mm) 10 min before or immediately after the conditioning session or 10 min before re-exposure to the aversive context. In the conditioning session, rats were exposed to a footshock chamber (context) and footshocks were used as the unconditioned stimulus. Forty-eight hours later, the animals were re-exposed to the aversive context for 10 min, but no shock was given. Behavioral (freezing) as well as cardiovascular (arterial pressure and heart rate increases) responses induced by re-exposure to the aversive context were analysed. It was observed that the local IC neurotransmission inhibition attenuated freezing and the mean arterial pressure and heart rate increase of the groups that received the CoCl2 either immediately after conditioning or 10 min before re-exposure to the aversive context, but not when the CoCl2 was injected before the conditioning session. These findings suggest the involvement of the IC in the consolidation and expression of contextual aversive memory. However, the IC does not seem to be essential for the acquisition of memory associated with aversive context.

Research paper thumbnail of NMDA receptors in the lateral hypothalamus have an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response to acute restraint stress in rats

European Journal of Neuroscience, 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its local glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cardiovascular adjustments observed when rats are submitted to acute restraint stress. Bilateral microinjection of the nonspecific synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 (0.1 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH enhanced the heart rate (HR) increase evoked by restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure increase. Local microinjection of the selective N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH caused effects that were similar to those of CoCl2 . No changes were observed in the restraint-related cardiovascular response after a local microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH. Intravenous administration of the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist homatropine methyl bromide (0.2 mg/kg), a quaternary ammonium drug that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, abolished the changes in cardiovascular responses to restraint stress following LH treatment with LY235959. In summary, our findings show that the LH plays an inhibitory role on the HR increase evoked by restraint stress. Present results also indicate that local NMDA glutamate receptors, through facilitation of cardiac parasympathetic activity, mediate the LH inhibitory influence on the cardiac response to acute restraint stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors in Hypothalamic Paraventricular and Supraoptic Nuclei Mediate Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release in Unanesthetized Rats

Endocrinology, 2012

We report changes in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations evoked by... more We report changes in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations evoked by the microinjection of L-glutamate (L-glu) into the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of unanesthetized rats, as well as which local mechanisms are involved in their mediation. L-Glu microinjection (10 nmol/100 nl) into the SON increased the circulating levels of both AVP and OT. The AVP increases were blocked by local pretreatment with the selective non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7sulfonamide (NBQX) (2 nmol/100 nl), but it was not affected by pretreatment with the NMDA-receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nl). The OT response to L-glu microinjection into the SON was blocked by local pretreatment with either NBQX or LY235959. Furthermore, the administration of either the non-NMDA receptor agonist (Ϯ)-␣-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid hydrobromide (AMPA) (5 nmol/100 nl) or NMDA receptor agonist NMDA (5 nmol/100 nl) into the SON had no effect on OT baseline plasma levels, but when both agonists were microinjected together these levels were increased. L-Glu microinjection into the PVN did not change circulating levels of either AVP or OT. However, after local pretreatment with LY235959, the L-glu microinjection increased plasma levels of the hormones. The L-glu microinjection into the PVN after the local treatment with NBQX did not affect the circulating AVP and OT levels. Therefore, results suggest the AVP release from the SON is mediated by activation of non-NMDA glutamate receptors, whereas the OT release from this nucleus is mediated by an interaction of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors. The present study also suggests an inhibitory role for NMDA receptors in the PVN on the release of AVP and OT. (Endocrinology 153: 0000 -0000, 2012)

Research paper thumbnail of Both α1- and β1-adrenoceptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis are involved in the expression of conditioned contextual fear

British Journal of Pharmacology, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation

Autonomic Neuroscience, 2012

Several studies from our group have indicated that the BNST play an important role in baroreflex ... more Several studies from our group have indicated that the BNST play an important role in baroreflex modulation. However, the involvement of the BNST in the chemoreflex activity is unknown. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effect of the local bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) neurotransmission inhibition by bilateral microinjections of the non-selective synaptic blocker cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ) on the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation in rats. For this purpose, chemoreflex was activated with KCN (i.v.) before and after microinjections of CoCl 2 into the BNST. Reversible BNST inactivation produced no significant changes in the magnitude and durations of both pressor and bradycardic responses to intravenous KCN infusion. These findings suggesting that BNST neurotransmission have not influence on both sympathoexcitatory and parasympathoexcitatory components of the peripheral chemoreflex activation.

Research paper thumbnail of Correction: Effect of Voluntary Ethanol Consumption Combined with Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Function in Rats: Influence of Exercise Training

PLOS ONE, 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146974.].

Research paper thumbnail of Insular Cortex Noradrenergic Neurotransmission Modulates the Baroreflex in Rats

The Faseb Journal, Mar 1, 2008

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Voluntary Ethanol Consumption Combined with Testosterone Treatment on Cardiovascular Function in Rats: Influence of Exercise Training

PLOS ONE, 2016

This study evaluated the effects of voluntary ethanol consumption combined with testosterone trea... more This study evaluated the effects of voluntary ethanol consumption combined with testosterone treatment on cardiovascular function in rats. Moreover, we investigated the influence of exercise training on these effects. To this end, male rats were submitted to low-intensity training on a treadmill or kept sedentary while concurrently being treated with ethanol for 6 weeks. For voluntary ethanol intake, rats were given access to two bottles, one containing ethanol and other containing water, three 24-hour sessions per week. In the last two weeks (weeks 5 and 6), animals underwent testosterone treatment concurrently with exercise training and exposure to ethanol. Ethanol consumption was not affected by either testosterone treatment or exercise training. Also, drug treatments did not influence the treadmill performance improvement evoked by training. However, testosterone alone, but not in combination with ethanol, reduced resting heart rate. Moreover, combined treatment with testosterone and ethanol reduced the pressor response to the selective α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. Treatment with either testosterone or ethanol alone also affected baroreflex activity and enhanced depressor response to acetylcholine, but these effects were inhibited when drugs were coadministrated. Exercise training restored most cardiovascular effects evoked by drug treatments. Furthermore, both drugs administrated alone increased pressor response to phenylephrine in trained animals. Also, drug treatments inhibited the beneficial effects of training on baroreflex function. In conclusion, the present results suggest a potential interaction between toxic effects of testosterone and ethanol on cardiovascular function. Data also indicate that exercise training is an important factor influencing the effects of these substances.

Research paper thumbnail of Dissociation in control of physiological and behavioral responses to emotional stress by cholinergic neurotransmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rats

Neuropharmacology, Jan 21, 2015

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain structure implicated in physiologic... more The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a forebrain structure implicated in physiological and behavioral responses to emotional stress. However, the local neurochemical mechanisms mediating the BNST control of stress responses are not fully known. Here, we investigated the involvement of BNST cholinergic neurotransmission, acting via muscarinic receptors, in cardiovascular (increase in blood pressure and heart rate and fall in tail skin temperature) and neuroendocrine (increase in plasma corticosterone) responses and behavioral consequences (anxiogenic-like effect in the elevated plus-maze) evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. Bilateral microinjection into the BNST of either the choline uptake inhibitor hemicholinium-3 (3 nmol/100 nl) or the muscarinic receptor antagonist methylatropine (3 nmol/100 nl) enhanced the heart rate increase and inhibited the anxiogenic-like effect observed in the elevated plus-maze evoked by restraint. However, neither hemicholinium-3 nor m...

Research paper thumbnail of Chemoreflex and baroreflex alterations in Parkinsonism induced by 6-OHDA in unanesthetized rats

Neuroscience Letters, 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) ... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly characterized by motor signals. However, non-motor signals also affect and decrease the quality of life of PD patients. Among these non-motor signs are cardiovascular disorders as orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias, which may be due to the involvement of both central nervous system and peripheral autonomic nervous system. In the present study we investigated the cardiovascular function, evaluating cardiovascular reflexes (chemoreflex and baroreflex), in an animal model of Parkinsonism induced by bilateral infusion of the toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The results showed that the animals induced to Parkinsonism had lower arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate HR) compared to control animals. We showed that after activation of the baroreceptors by phenylephrine (Phe) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the baroreflex sensitivity index was not changed between the groups. However, there was a greater increase in the AP when stimulated with Phe and greater tachycardia when stimulated with SNP in 6-OHDA animals. After activation of the peripheral chemoreceptors through KCN injection (cytotoxic hypoxia), there was a higher increase in pressor and bradycardic response in injured animals with bilateral 6-OHDA. These changes in the cardiovascular reflexes may be important adjustments mechanisms to maintain the cerebral blood flow in those animals, and may be a result of denervation supersensitivity to catecholamines in autonomic targets.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor or fluoxetine treatment on depression-like state and cardiovascular changes induced by chronic variable stress in rats

Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Jan 11, 2015

Comorbidity between mood disorders and cardiovascular disease has been described extensively. How... more Comorbidity between mood disorders and cardiovascular disease has been described extensively. However, available antidepressants can have cardiovascular side effects. Treatment with selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) induces antidepressant effects, but whether the antidepressant-like effects of these drugs are followed by cardiovascular changes has not been previously investigated. Here, we tested in male rats exposed to chronic variable stress (CVS) the hypothesis that nNOS blockers are advantageous compared with conventional antidepressants in terms of cardiovascular side effects. We compared the effects of chronic treatment with the preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) with those evoked by the conventional antidepressant fluoxetine on alterations that are considered as markers of depression (immobility in the forced swimming test, FST, decreased body weight gain and increased plasma corticosterone concentration) and cardiovascular changes ...

Research paper thumbnail of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis modulate the cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress in rats

Pharmacological research : the official journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society, Jan 28, 2015

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in behavioral and physiological responses to... more The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in behavioral and physiological responses to emotional stress through its action in several limbic structures, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). Nevertheless, the role of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the BNST in cardiovascular adjustments during aversive threat is unknown. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the involvement of CRF receptors within the BNST in cardiovascular responses evoked by acute restraint stress in rats. For this, we evaluated the effects of bilateral treatment of the BNST with selective agonists and antagonists of either CRF1 or CRF2 receptors in the arterial pressure and heart rate increase and the decrease in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. Microinjection of the selective CRF1 receptor antagonist CP376395 into the BNST reduced the pressor and tachycardiac responses caused by restraint. Conversely, BNST treatment with the selective CRF1 receptor agonist CR...

Research paper thumbnail of Immediate and long-term effects of psychological stress during adolescence in cardiovascular function: comparison of homotypic vs heterotypic stress regimens

International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience, 2015

Adolescence has been proposed as an ontogenic period of vulnerability to stress. Nevertheless, th... more Adolescence has been proposed as an ontogenic period of vulnerability to stress. Nevertheless, the impact of stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular activity is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-lasting effects of exposure to stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular function of rats. To this end, we compared the impact of 10-days exposure to two chronic stress protocols: the repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic) and chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic). Independent groups of animals were tested 24h (immediate) or three weeks (long-lasting) following completion of stress period. Exposure to CVS, but not RRS, during adolescence increased basal HR values without affecting arterial pressure, which was followed by augmented power of oscillatory component at low frequency (sympathetic-related) of the pulse interval (PI). RRS enhanced variance of the PI with an increase in the power of bot...

Research paper thumbnail of Stress Vulnerability During Adolescence

Psychosomatic Medicine, 2015

Objective: This study investigated the physiological and somatic changes evoked by daily exposure... more Objective: This study investigated the physiological and somatic changes evoked by daily exposure to the same type of stressor (homotypic) or different aversive stressor stimuli (heterotypic) in adolescent and adult rats, with a focus on cardiovascular function. The long-term effects of stress exposure during adolescence were also investigated longitudinally. Methods: Male Wistar rats were exposed to repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic) or chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic).

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of the single or combined administration of cocaine and testosterone in autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to acute restraint stress

Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2012

Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids (AASs) has become a serious public health probl... more Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids (AASs) has become a serious public health problem. Despite reports of an increase in the incidence of simultaneous abuse of these substances, potential toxic interactions between cocaine and AASs are poorly known. In the present study, we investigated the effects of either single or combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for one or 10 consecutive days on autonomic (arterial pressure, heart rate and tail cutaneous temperature) and neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone) responses induced by acute restraint stress in rats. Combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for 10 days reduced the increase in heart rate and plasma corticosterone level, as well as the fall in tail skin temperature induced by restraint stress. Furthermore, repeated administration of cocaine inhibited the increase in arterial pressure observed during restraint, and this effect was not affected by coadministration of testosterone. Ten-day combined administration of testosterone and cocaine increased basal values of arterial pressure. Moreover, chronic administration of testosterone induced rest bradycardia and elevated basal level of plasma corticosterone. One-day single or combined administration of the drugs did not affect any parameter investigated. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that combined administration of testosterone and cocaine changed the autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to acute restraint stress. These findings suggest that interaction between AASs and cocaine may affect the ability to cope with stressful events.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of the Single or Combined Administration of Cocaine and Testosterone on Cardiovascular Function and Baroreflex Activity in Unanesthetized Rats

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 2012

Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids has become a serious public health problem. Des... more Abuse of cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids has become a serious public health problem. Despite reports of an increase in the incidence of simultaneous illicit use of these substances, potential toxic interactions between cocaine and androgenic-anabolic steroids in the cardiovascular system are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of single or combined administration of testosterone and cocaine for 1 or 10 consecutive days on basal cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex activity, and hemodynamic responses to vasoactive agents in unanesthetized rats. Ten-day combined administration of testosterone and cocaine increased baseline arterial pressure. Changes in arterial pressure were associated with altered baroreflex activity and impairment of both hypotensive response to intravenous sodium nitroprusside and pressor effect of intravenous phenylephrine. Chronic single administration of either testosterone or cocaine did not affect baseline arterial pressure. However, testosterone-treated animals presented rest bradycardia, cardiac hypertrophy, alterations in baroreflex activity, and enhanced response to sodium nitroprusside. Repeated administration of cocaine affected baroreflex activity and impaired vascular responsiveness to both sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine. One-day single or combined administration of the drugs did not affect any parameter investigated. In conclusion, the present results suggest a potential interaction between toxic effects of cocaine and testosterone on the cardiovascular activity. Changes in baseline arterial pressure after combined administration of these 2 drugs may result from alterations in baroreflex activity and impairment of vascular responsiveness to vasoactive agents.

Research paper thumbnail of Lateral septal area α1- and α2-adrenoceptors differently modulate baroreflex activity in unanesthetized rats

Experimental Physiology, 2011

The lateral septal area (LSA) is a limbic structure involved in autonomic, neuroendocrine and beh... more The lateral septal area (LSA) is a limbic structure involved in autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioural responses. An inhibitory influence of the LSA on baroreflex activity has been reported; however, the local neurotransmitter involved in this modulation is still unclear. In the present study, we verified the involvement of local LSA adrenoceptors in modulating cardiac baroreflex activity in unanaesthetized rats. Bilateral microinjection of the selective α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 (10 nmol in a volume of 100 nl) into the LSA decreased baroreflex bradycardia evoked by blood pressure increases, but had no effect on reflex tachycardia evoked by blood pressure decreases. Nevertheless, bilateral administration of the selective α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 (10 nmol in 100 nl) increased baroreflex tachycardia without affecting reflex bradycardia. Treatment of the LSA with a cocktail containing WB4101 and RX821002 decreased baroreflex bradycardia and increased reflex tachycardia. The nonselective β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (10 nmol in 100 nl) did not affect either reflex bradycardia or tachycardia. Microinjection of noradrenaline into the LSA increased reflex bradycardia and decreased the baroreflex tachycardic response, an opposite effect compared with those observed after double blockade of α 1 -and α 2 -adrenoceptors, and this effect of noradrenaline was blocked by local LSA pretreatment with the cocktail containing WB4101 and RX821002. The present results provide advances in our understanding of the baroreflex neural circuitry. Taken together, data suggest that local LSA α 1 -and α 2 -adrenoceptors modulate baroreflex control of heart rate differently. Data indicate that LSA α 1 -adrenoceptors exert a facilitatory modulation on baroreflex bradycardia, whereas local α 2 -adrenoceptors exert an inhibitory modulation on reflex tachycardia.

Research paper thumbnail of Cannabidiol administration into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis alters cardiovascular responses induced by acute restraint stress through 5-HT1A receptor

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2013

Systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is able to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acu... more Systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is able to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress through activation of 5-HT 1A receptors. Previous results from our group suggest that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is involved in the antiaversive effects of the CBD. Moreover, it has been proposed that synapses within the BNST influence restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes, in particular by an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response associated to restraint stress. Thus, the present work investigated the effects of CBD injected into the BNST on cardiovascular changes induced by acute restraint stress and if these effects would involve the local activation of 5-HT 1A receptors. The exposition to restraint stress increased both blood pressure and heart rate (HR). The microinjection of CBD (30 and 60 nmol) into the BNST enhanced the restraint-evoked HR increase, in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the pressor response. The selective 5-HT 1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 by itself did not change the cardiovascular responses to restraint stress, but blocked the effects of CBD. These results showed that CBD microinjected into the BNST enhanced the HR increase associated with acute restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure response. Although these results are not in agreement with those observed after systemic administration of CBD, they are similar to effects observed after reversible inactivation of the BNST. Moreover, similar to the effects observed after systemic administration, CBD effects in the BNST seem to depend on activation of 5-HT 1A receptors.

Research paper thumbnail of Paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus glutamate neurotransmission modulates autonomic, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute restraint stress in rats

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2013

In the present study, the involvement of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) glutam... more In the present study, the involvement of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) glutamate receptors in the modulation of autonomic (arterial blood pressure, heart rate and tail skin temperature) and neuroendocrine (plasma corticosterone) responses and behavioral consequences evoked by the acute restraint stress in rats was investigated. The bilateral microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol/ 100 nL) into the PVN reduced the arterial pressure increase as well as the fall in the tail cutaneous temperature induced by the restraint stress, without affecting the stress-induced tachycardiac response. On the other hand, the pretreatment of the PVN with the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nL) was able to increase the stress-evoked pressor and tachycardiac response, without affecting the fall in the cutaneous tail temperature. The treatment of the PVN with LY235959 also reduced the increase in plasma corticosterone levels during stress and inhibited the anxiogenic-like effect observed in the elevated plus-maze 24h after the restraint session. The present results show that NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in the PVN differently modulate responses associated to stress. The PVN glutamate neurotransmission, via non-NMDA receptors, has a facilitatory influence on stress-evoked autonomic responses. On the other hand, the present data point to an inhibitory role of PVN NMDA receptors on the cardiovascular responses to stress. Moreover, our findings also indicate an involvement of PVN NMDA glutamate receptors in the mediation of the plasma corticosterone response as well as in the delayed emotional consequences induced by the restraint stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor and nitric oxide in cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise in rats

European Journal of Pharmacology, 2013

Dynamic exercise evokes sustained cardiovascular responses, which are characterized by arterial p... more Dynamic exercise evokes sustained cardiovascular responses, which are characterized by arterial pressure and heart rate increases. Although it is well accepted that there is central nervous system mediation of cardiovascular adjustments during exercise, information on the role of neural pathways and signaling mechanisms is limited. It has been reported that glutamate, by acting on NMDA receptors, evokes the release of nitric oxide through activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the brain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NMDA receptors and nNOS are involved in cardiovascular responses evoked by an acute bout of exercise on a rodent treadmill. Moreover, we investigated possible central sites mediating control of responses to exercise through the NMDA receptor-nitric oxide pathway. Intraperitoneal administration of the selective NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) reduced both the arterial pressure and heart rate increase evoked by dynamic exercise. Intraperitoneal treatment with the preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole reduced exercise-evoked tachycardiac response without affecting the pressor response. Moreover, treadmill running increased NO formation in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), bed nucleus of the stria teminalis (BNST) and periaqueductal gray (PAG), and this effect was inhibited by systemic pretreatment with MK-801. Our findings demonstrate that NMDA receptors and nNOS mediate the tachycardiac response to dynamic exercise, possibly through an NMDA receptor-NO signaling mechanism. However, NMDA receptors, but not nNOS, mediate the exercise-evoked pressor response. The present results also provide evidence that MPFC, BNST and PAG may modulate physiological adjustments during dynamic exercise through NMDA receptor-NO signaling.

Research paper thumbnail of Involvement of the insular cortex in the consolidation and expression of contextual fear conditioning

European Journal of Neuroscience, 2013

The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to be involved in the modulation of memory and autonomi... more The insular cortex (IC) has been reported to be involved in the modulation of memory and autonomic and defensive responses. However, there is conflicting evidence about the role of the IC in fear conditioning. To explore the IC involvement in both behavioral and autonomic responses induced by contextual fear conditioning, we evaluated the effects of the reversible inhibition of the IC neurotransmission through bilateral microinjections of the non-selective synapse blocker CoCl2 (1 mm) 10 min before or immediately after the conditioning session or 10 min before re-exposure to the aversive context. In the conditioning session, rats were exposed to a footshock chamber (context) and footshocks were used as the unconditioned stimulus. Forty-eight hours later, the animals were re-exposed to the aversive context for 10 min, but no shock was given. Behavioral (freezing) as well as cardiovascular (arterial pressure and heart rate increases) responses induced by re-exposure to the aversive context were analysed. It was observed that the local IC neurotransmission inhibition attenuated freezing and the mean arterial pressure and heart rate increase of the groups that received the CoCl2 either immediately after conditioning or 10 min before re-exposure to the aversive context, but not when the CoCl2 was injected before the conditioning session. These findings suggest the involvement of the IC in the consolidation and expression of contextual aversive memory. However, the IC does not seem to be essential for the acquisition of memory associated with aversive context.

Research paper thumbnail of NMDA receptors in the lateral hypothalamus have an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response to acute restraint stress in rats

European Journal of Neuroscience, 2013

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its... more The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and its local glutamatergic neurotransmission in the cardiovascular adjustments observed when rats are submitted to acute restraint stress. Bilateral microinjection of the nonspecific synaptic inhibitor CoCl2 (0.1 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH enhanced the heart rate (HR) increase evoked by restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure increase. Local microinjection of the selective N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH caused effects that were similar to those of CoCl2 . No changes were observed in the restraint-related cardiovascular response after a local microinjection of the selective non-NMDA glutamatergic receptor antagonist NBQX (2 nmol in 100 nL) into the LH. Intravenous administration of the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist homatropine methyl bromide (0.2 mg/kg), a quaternary ammonium drug that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, abolished the changes in cardiovascular responses to restraint stress following LH treatment with LY235959. In summary, our findings show that the LH plays an inhibitory role on the HR increase evoked by restraint stress. Present results also indicate that local NMDA glutamate receptors, through facilitation of cardiac parasympathetic activity, mediate the LH inhibitory influence on the cardiac response to acute restraint stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors in Hypothalamic Paraventricular and Supraoptic Nuclei Mediate Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release in Unanesthetized Rats

Endocrinology, 2012

We report changes in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations evoked by... more We report changes in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) concentrations evoked by the microinjection of L-glutamate (L-glu) into the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of unanesthetized rats, as well as which local mechanisms are involved in their mediation. L-Glu microinjection (10 nmol/100 nl) into the SON increased the circulating levels of both AVP and OT. The AVP increases were blocked by local pretreatment with the selective non-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7sulfonamide (NBQX) (2 nmol/100 nl), but it was not affected by pretreatment with the NMDA-receptor antagonist LY235959 (2 nmol/100 nl). The OT response to L-glu microinjection into the SON was blocked by local pretreatment with either NBQX or LY235959. Furthermore, the administration of either the non-NMDA receptor agonist (Ϯ)-␣-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid hydrobromide (AMPA) (5 nmol/100 nl) or NMDA receptor agonist NMDA (5 nmol/100 nl) into the SON had no effect on OT baseline plasma levels, but when both agonists were microinjected together these levels were increased. L-Glu microinjection into the PVN did not change circulating levels of either AVP or OT. However, after local pretreatment with LY235959, the L-glu microinjection increased plasma levels of the hormones. The L-glu microinjection into the PVN after the local treatment with NBQX did not affect the circulating AVP and OT levels. Therefore, results suggest the AVP release from the SON is mediated by activation of non-NMDA glutamate receptors, whereas the OT release from this nucleus is mediated by an interaction of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors. The present study also suggests an inhibitory role for NMDA receptors in the PVN on the release of AVP and OT. (Endocrinology 153: 0000 -0000, 2012)

Research paper thumbnail of Both α1- and β1-adrenoceptors in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis are involved in the expression of conditioned contextual fear

British Journal of Pharmacology, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation

Autonomic Neuroscience, 2012

Several studies from our group have indicated that the BNST play an important role in baroreflex ... more Several studies from our group have indicated that the BNST play an important role in baroreflex modulation. However, the involvement of the BNST in the chemoreflex activity is unknown. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effect of the local bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) neurotransmission inhibition by bilateral microinjections of the non-selective synaptic blocker cobalt chloride (CoCl 2 ) on the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation in rats. For this purpose, chemoreflex was activated with KCN (i.v.) before and after microinjections of CoCl 2 into the BNST. Reversible BNST inactivation produced no significant changes in the magnitude and durations of both pressor and bradycardic responses to intravenous KCN infusion. These findings suggesting that BNST neurotransmission have not influence on both sympathoexcitatory and parasympathoexcitatory components of the peripheral chemoreflex activation.