α‐1 adrenergic input to solitary nucleus neurones: calcium oscillations, excitation and gastric reflex control

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) processes substantial visceral afferent input and sends divergent projections to a wide array of CNS targets. The NST is essential to the maintenance of behavioural and autonomic homeostasis and is the source, as well as the recipient, of considerable noradrenergic (NE) projections. The significance of NE projections from the NST to other CNS regions has long been appreciated, but the nature of NE action on NST neurones themselves, especially on the α‐1 receptor subtype, is controversial. We used a combination of methodologies to establish, systematically, the effects and cellular basis of action of the α‐1 agonist, phenylephrine (PHE), to control NST neurones responsible for vago‐vagal reflex regulation of the stomach. Immunocytochemical and retrograde tracing studies verified that the area postrema, A2, A5, ventrolateral medulla and locus coeruleus regions are sources of catecholaminergic input to the NST. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that PHE activates physiologically identified, second‐order gastric sensory NST neurones. In vivo microinjection of PHE onto NST neurones caused a significant reduction in gastric tone. Finally, in vitro calcium imaging studies revealed that PHE caused dramatic cytosolic calcium oscillations in NST neurones. These oscillations are probably the result of an interplay between agonist‐induced and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3)‐mediated intracellular calcium release and Ca2+‐ATPase control of intracellular calcium storage pumps. The oscillations persisted even in perfusions of zero calcium–EGTA Krebs solution suggesting that the calcium oscillation is mediated principally by intracellular calcium release–reuptake mechanisms. Cyclical activation of the NST may function to increase the responsiveness of these neurones to incoming afferent input (i.e., elevate the ‘gain’). An increase in gain of afferent input may cause an amplification of the response part of the reflex and help explain the powerful effects that α‐1 agonists have in suppressing gastric motility and producing anorexia.