Abstract
The catecholaminergic (TH) neurons reside in the rostral half of the ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). These neurons use the glutamate as a neurotransmitter, and beyond catecholamine, synthetize other neuropeptides. C1 neurons, located in the RVLM, are distributed in the viscerotropic organization, and, in the most part, are intensely activated by hypoglycemia, infection or inflammation, hypoxia, nociception, and cardiovascular alterations. These neurons control the autonomic nervous system by projections to sympathetic and parasympathetic pre ganglionic neurons, and also to hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Moreover, recent evidences indicated that the C1 neurons could also regulate the breathing activity. Therefore, considering the several functions attributed to catecolaminergic C1 neurons, as well as their anatomical connection, we believe that C1 region could also be recruited during chemoreceptors activation, promoting respiratory adjustments. In the present project, we propose to perform selective stimulation and inhibition of the C1 neurons by using new technologies that allow the selective control of this region of the brain. The new technology use viral vector that, in association with optogenetic stimulation, induces selective infection and manipulation of the C1 neurons. (AU)
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