Role of alpha2-adrenoceptor activation on orofacial reactivity to salty taste and capsaicin in sodium-deplete rats

• Grant number: 19/01220-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2019
• End date: March 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Laurival Antonio de Luca Junior
• Grantee: Juliana Possari
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sodium ion, necessary for hydromineral balance, can cause cardiovascular diseases when in excess. Alpha2-adrenoceptors (ADRa2) belong to mechanisms of anti-hypertensive drugs and, following pioneering investigations from our laboratory, are involved with inhibitopry mechanism of sodium intake. However, we do not know whether ADRa2 participate in the control of salty taste. The objective of the present project is to investigate whether ADRa2 control orofacial motor responses, hedonic and aversive, both to salty taste and capsaicin in sodium deplete rats. Capsaicin activates oral nociceptors, which according to the literature mediate, at least in part, the aversive effect of hypertonic NaCl. We predict that capsaicin will have similar effects on the oral responses to both 0.3 M NaCl and capsaicin. Young adult male rats sodium deplete by the Furo/Cap protocol, which induces a quick sodium appetite (within 2 hours) will have free access to water to satiate their thirst. Then, they will receive an intraperitoneal injection of clonidine (ADRa2 agonist) or vehicle. Then, the animals will receive an intraoral infusion of either 0.3 M NaCl or capsaicin. Respective orofacial motor responses will be videotaped for later analysis (taste reactivity test). The results will enlighten our understanding of how ADRa2 control sodium intake and oral nociception.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ZENATTI, A. A.; PEREIRA JR, E. D.; POSSARI, J.; ANDRADE, C. A. F.; MENANI, V, J.; DE LUCA JR, L. A.. Interference with the renin-angiotensin system reduces the palatability of 0.3 M NaCl in sodium-deplete rats. APPETITE, v. 158, MAR 1 2021. (15/23467-7, 11/50770-1, 19/01220-0, 15/20500-3)