Original Articles

Stimulation of locus coeruleus increases arterial pressure in rabbits

Yong-Yue Chen, Zhong-Sun Huang

Abstract

AIM: To study the effect of electric and chemical stimulation of locus coeruleus
(LC) on arterial pressure and renal sympathetic nerve discharge activity (RSA).
METHODS: Electric stimulation of LC and microinjection of L-glutamate (L-Glu),
morphine, and GABA into the LC of rabbits were made. The LC was destructed
electrolytically. Arterial pressure and RSA were recorded.
RESULTS: Both electric stimulation (150 microA, 50 Hz) of the LC and
microinjection of L-Glu (0.5 mumol) into unilateral LC elicited increases in
arterial pressure (13.5 +/- 0.3 vs 19.5 +/- 0.8 kPa, P < 0.01 and 13.8 +/- 0.4 vs
17.5 +/- 0.8 kPa, P < 0.01, respectively) and RSA (by 107 +/- 14%, P < 0.01, and
88 +/- 21%, P < 0.01, respectively). Microinjection of morphine or GABA did not
induce any significant changes in the above two parameters. Electrolytic lesion
of the LC eliminated the pressor response induced by microinjection of L-Glu.
CONCLUSION: Excitation of LC has a pressor effect in rabbits, but LC is not a
crucial nucleus in tonic regulation of blood pressure.
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