Involvement of I(1)-imidazoline receptors in baroreceptor reflex in the caudal ventrolateral medulla of rats

There is ample evidence to show the existence of center I(1)-imidazoline receptors that are involved in the regulation of cardiovascular activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible role of I(1)-imidazoline receptors and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors within the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) in mediating the baroreceptor reflex in anesthetized rats. Unilateral microinjection of idazoxan (2 nmol in 50 nl), a mixed antagonist of I(1)-imidazoline receptors and alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, into the CVLM significantly (P<0.01) decreased blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and the firing rate of presympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) by 21+/-6 mmHg, 25+/-5 beats per min and 3.5+/-0.9 spikes/s, respectively. Moreover, unilateral injection of idazoxan into the CVLM significantly (P<0.01) reduced the inhibitory responses of the ipsilateral RVLM presympathetic neurons evoked by stimulation of aortic nerve and elevation of BP, and partially inhibited the neuronal cardiac cycle-related rhythm. Depressor responses evoked by aortic nerve stimulation were significantly (P<0.01) attenuated 10 and 20 min after bilateral microinjection of idazoxan (2 nmol in 50 nl for each side) into the CVLM (-20+/-4 and -30+/-4 vs. -40+/-1 mmHg). However, injection of yohimbine (500 pmol in 50 nl), a selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, into the CVLM did not affect the resting cardiovascular activities and baroreceptor reflex. It is concluded that the CVLM I(1)-imidazoline receptors are involved in maintenance of tonic cardiovascular activities and transmission of the baroreceptor reflex.