Non-angiotensin II [125I] CGP42112 binding is a sensitive marker of neuronal injury in brainstem following unilateral nodose ganglionectomy: Comparison with markers for activated microglia

Abstract

Previously we reported that a non-angiotensin II [125I] CGP42112 binding site is up-regulated in rat brainstem nuclei as a result of unilateral nodose ganglionectomy. In the present study, we compared non-angiotensin II [125I] CGP42112 binding with microglia/macrophage activation following nodose ganglionectomy, using both in vitro autoradiography and immunohistochemistry. Specific [125I] CGP42112 binding was observed in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and revealed an AT2 receptor component as well as a non-angiotensin II receptor component. Subsequent to unilateral nodose ganglionectomy, [125I] CGP42112 binding in the ipsilateral NTS was increased approximately two-fold and was also..