Angiotensin 1A receptors transfected into caudal ventrolateral medulla inhibit baroreflex gain and stress responses

Abstract

AimsThe caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) is important for autonomic regulation and is rich in angiotensin II type 1A receptors (AT1AR). To determine their function, we examined whether the expression of AT 1AR in the CVLM of mice lacking AT1AR (AT 1A-/-) alters baroreflex sensitivity and cardiovascular responses to stress.Methods and resultsBilateral microinjections into the CVLM of AT1A-/- mice of lentivirus with the phox-2 selective promoter (PRSx8) were made to express either AT1AR (Lv-PRSx8-AT 1A) or green fluorescent protein (Lv-PRSx8-GFP) as a control. Radiotelemetry was used to record mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and locomotor activity. Following injection of Lv-P..