Excitotoxin-induced degeneration of rat vagal afferent neurons

Abstract

The inferior vagal or nodose ganglion contains the perikarya of vagal afferent neurons that function as cardiopulmonary and abdominal visceral receptors as well as aortic arch baroreceptors. In this study we have sought to utilize the axon-sparing properties of the excitotoxins kainic acid, N-methyl-d-aspartic acid and α-amino-3-hydroxy-4-isoxazolepropionic acid to destroy the perikarya of these sensory neurons and thus selectively de-afferent the vagus in the rat. Kainic acid (0.5 nmol/μl, 2 × 2μl) was applied topically to both nodose ganglia and the rats were allowed to recover for 7-8 days. Baroreceptor heart rate reflex activity was assessed in these conscious rats. Baroreceptor heart ra..