Fine structure of the area subpostrema in rat. Open gate for the medullary autonomic centers.

The area subpostrema (ASP) is a V-shaped area, ventral and ventrolateral to the area postrema. It constitutes the upper border zone of the commissural portion of the nucleus of the solitary tract. The ASP is considered as a morphological and functional key area for the medullary autonomic center. The capillaries here, in contrast to the capillaries of the area postrema are not fenestrated but establish a specific staining for acetylcholinaestherase (AChE). The ASP contains a high density of fibers and terminals of several neuropeptides which are known to affect on NTS activity. Receptors of different neuropeptids and cathecholamines and a dense network of GFAP positive glial processes are found also here. The neurons and the glial cells of the ASP are connected with the AP and a bidirectional connection exists between the ASP and NTS.