Cardiovascular deconditioning increases GABA signaling in the nucleus tractus solitarii
Ludmila Lima‐Silveira, Eileen M. Hasser, David D. Kline
Abstract
Gravity influences distribution of blood volume and autonomic function. Microgravity and prolonged bed rest induce cardiovascular deconditioning (CVD). We used hindlimb unloading (HU), a rat analog for bed rest, to investigate CVD-induced neuroplasticity in the brainstem. Our data demonstrate that HU increases GABA modulation of nucleus tractus solitarii (nTS) neurons via presynaptic plasticity. Given the importance of nTS in integrating cardiovascular reflexes, this study provides new evidence on the central mechanisms behind CVD following HU.
Topics & Concepts
BrainstemNucleusNeuroplasticityNeuroscienceSolitary nucleusBaroreflexReflexDeconditioningMedicineInternal medicineBiologyHeart rateBlood pressureNeuroscience of respiration and sleepSpaceflight effects on biologySleep and Wakefulness Research