Angiotensin type 1A receptor expressing neurons in the NTS receive direct solitary tract excitatory neurotransmission

Abstract

Second order neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) receive direct viscero‐sensory afferents from internal organs via the solitary tract (ST) to coordinate autonomic reflexes. Approximately 90% ST vagal afferents from the heart and lungs are unmyelinated c‐fibres and express transient receptor potential vallinoid type 1 (TRPV1). Activation of the angiotensin type 1A receptor (AT1AR) in the NTS modulates cardiorespiratory reflexes and is thought to potentiate ST excitatory input. Here we aimed to characterise ST input to AT1AR expressing NTS neurons, and determine what proportion of the monosynaptic afferents express TPRV1. Second, we determined the impact of angiotensin II (AngII..