Non-NMDA and NMDA receptors transmit area postrema input to aortic baroreceptor neurons in NTS

The ability of glutamate acting at both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors to transmit area postrema excitatory inputs to aortic baroreceptor neurons in nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) was investigated. Alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rabbits were used to record extracellular NTS neuronal responses to low-frequency aortic depressor nerve, vagus nerve and area postrema stimulation. Results showed that both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors transmit area postrema input to NTS neurons in vagal afferent or aortic baroreceptor pathways.