Biomaterial Database

Electrophysiological responses of neurones in the rat nucleus tractus solitarius to oxytocin-releasing stimuli. 1997

A R Bailey, and J B Wakerley

Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK. alex.bailey@ed.ac.uk

Neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the rat are, at least partially, responsible for mediating the excitatory effects of systemic cholecystokinin (CCK) injection and parturition on oxytocin release. Utilising in vivo electrophysiological recordings in urethane-anaesthetised rats we examined the effects of systemic CCK injection and vaginal distension (VD) on NTS neuronal activity. Approximately 25% of neurones were excited by CCK injection and a population of neurones (24%) responded specifically to VD, but only one neurone responded to both oxytocin-releasing stimuli. NTS neurones that projected to the hypothalamus also responded in a specific manner to either CCK or VD. It is known that the excitatory effects of CCK and VD on oxytocin release are mediated by separate peripheral pathways and the results from this study suggest that separation of these two inputs persists at the level of the NTS.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007774	Lactation	The processes of milk secretion by the maternal MAMMARY GLANDS after PARTURITION. The proliferation of the mammary glandular tissue, milk synthesis, and milk expulsion or let down are regulated by the interactions of several hormones including ESTRADIOL; PROGESTERONE; PROLACTIN; and OXYTOCIN.	Lactation, Prolonged,Milk Secretion,Lactations, Prolonged,Milk Secretions,Prolonged Lactation,Prolonged Lactations
D009474	Neurons	The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D010121	Oxytocin	A nonapeptide hormone released from the neurohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, POSTERIOR). It differs from VASOPRESSIN by two amino acids at residues 3 and 8. Oxytocin acts on SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS, such as causing UTERINE CONTRACTIONS and MILK EJECTION.	Ocytocin,Pitocin,Syntocinon
D011949	Receptors, Cholecystokinin	Cell surface proteins that bind cholecystokinin (CCK) with high affinity and trigger intracellular changes influencing the behavior of cells. Cholecystokinin receptors are activated by GASTRIN as well as by CCK-4; CCK-8; and CCK-33. Activation of these receptors evokes secretion of AMYLASE by pancreatic acinar cells, acid and PEPSIN by stomach mucosal cells, and contraction of the PYLORUS and GALLBLADDER. The role of the widespread CCK receptors in the central nervous system is not well understood.	CCK Receptors,Caerulein Receptors,Cholecystokinin Octapeptide Receptors,Cholecystokinin Receptors,Pancreozymin Receptors,Receptors, CCK,Receptors, Caerulein,Receptors, Pancreozymin,Receptors, Sincalide,Sincalide Receptors,CCK Receptor,CCK-4 Receptors,CCK-8 Receptors,Cholecystokinin Receptor,Receptors, CCK-4,Receptors, CCK-8,Receptors, Cholecystokinin Octapeptide,CCK 4 Receptors,CCK 8 Receptors,Octapeptide Receptors, Cholecystokinin,Receptor, CCK,Receptor, Cholecystokinin,Receptors, CCK 4,Receptors, CCK 8
D002766	Cholecystokinin	A peptide, of about 33 amino acids, secreted by the upper INTESTINAL MUCOSA and also found in the central nervous system. It causes gallbladder contraction, release of pancreatic exocrine (or digestive) enzymes, and affects other gastrointestinal functions. Cholecystokinin may be the mediator of satiety.	Pancreozymin,CCK-33,Cholecystokinin 33,Uropancreozymin
D004106	Dilatation	The act of dilating.	Dilation,Dilatations,Dilations
D004558	Electric Stimulation	Use of electric potential or currents to elicit biological responses.	Stimulation, Electric,Electrical Stimulation,Electric Stimulations,Electrical Stimulations,Stimulation, Electrical,Stimulations, Electric,Stimulations, Electrical
D004594	Electrophysiology	The study of the generation and behavior of electrical charges in living organisms particularly the nervous system and the effects of electricity on living organisms.
D005260	Female		Females
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia