Auteurs
Carpentier C - Baude A
Journal
Brain research
Abstract
Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that neurons of the rat dorsal vagal complex (DVC) express NK3 receptors. The density of NK3-immunoreactive neurons depends of the different subnuclei of the nucleus tractus solitarii. The efferent vagal neurons of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve highly express NK3. No NK3-immunoreactivity has been detected in the area postrema. Ultrastructural examination shows that NK3-immunoreactivity is principally present at non synaptic membrane of somatic and dendritic profiles. Therefore, neurokinin B and/or other ligands may act through a process of volume transmission on non synaptic NK3 receptors in the DVC.