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Article
Development of Chemosensitivity in Neurons from the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii (NTS) of Neonatal Rats
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
  • Susan C. Conrad
  • Nicole L. Nichols
  • Nick A. Ritucci, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Jay B. Dean
  • Robert W. Putnam, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-31-2009
Abstract

We studied the development of chemosensitivity during the neonatal period in rat nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons. We determined the percentage of neurons activated by hypercapnia (15% CO2) and assessed the magnitude of the response by calculating the chemosensitivity index (CI). There were no differences in the percentage of neurons that were inhibited (9%) or activated (44.8%) by hypercapnia or in the magnitude of the activated response (CI 164 ± 4.9%) in NTS neurons from neonatal rats of all ages. To assess the degree of intrinsic chemosensitivity in these neurons we used chemical synaptic block medium and the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone. Chemical synaptic block medium slightly decreased basal firing rate but did not affect the percentage of NTS neurons that responded to hypercapnia at any neonatal age. However, in neonates aged

DOI
10.1016/j.resp.2008.11.005
Citation Information
Susan C. Conrad, Nicole L. Nichols, Nick A. Ritucci, Jay B. Dean, et al.. "Development of Chemosensitivity in Neurons from the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii (NTS) of Neonatal Rats" Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology Vol. 166 Iss. 1 (2009) p. 4 - 12 ISSN: 1569-9048
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/nick_ritucci/29/