PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
OBJECTIVE: Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) contribute to the regulation of autonomic functions. However, the neural circuits linking these neurons to other brain regions remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the connectivity mechanisms of the PNMT-expressing neurons in the NTS (NTSPNMT neurons).
METHODS: The methodologies employed in this study included a modified rabies virus-based retrograde neural tracing technique, conventional viral anterograde tracing, and immunohistochemical staining procedures.
RESULTS: A total of 43 upstream nuclei projecting to NTSPNMT neurons were identified, spanning several key brain regions including the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Notably, dense projections to the NTSPNMT neurons were observed from the central amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, area postrema, and the gigantocellular reticular nucleus. In contrast, the ventrolateral medulla, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and lateral hypothalamic area were identified as the primary destinations for axon terminals originating from NTSPNMT neurons. Additionally, reciprocal projections were evident among 21 nuclei, primarily situated within the medulla oblongata.
CONCLUSIONS: Our research findings demonstrate that NTSPNMT neurons form extensive connections with numerous nuclei, emphasizing their essential role in the homeostatic regulation of vital autonomic functions.
METHODS: The methodologies employed in this study included a modified rabies virus-based retrograde neural tracing technique, conventional viral anterograde tracing, and immunohistochemical staining procedures.
RESULTS: A total of 43 upstream nuclei projecting to NTSPNMT neurons were identified, spanning several key brain regions including the medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain, cerebellum, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Notably, dense projections to the NTSPNMT neurons were observed from the central amygdaloid nucleus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, area postrema, and the gigantocellular reticular nucleus. In contrast, the ventrolateral medulla, lateral parabrachial nucleus, and lateral hypothalamic area were identified as the primary destinations for axon terminals originating from NTSPNMT neurons. Additionally, reciprocal projections were evident among 21 nuclei, primarily situated within the medulla oblongata.
CONCLUSIONS: Our research findings demonstrate that NTSPNMT neurons form extensive connections with numerous nuclei, emphasizing their essential role in the homeostatic regulation of vital autonomic functions.
摘要：
目的：孤束核（NTS）中表达苯乙醇胺N-甲基转移酶（PNMT）的神经元有助于调节自主神经功能。然而,连接这些神经元和其他脑区的神经回路仍不清楚。本研究旨在探讨NTS中表达PNMT的神经元（NTSPNMT神经元）的连接机制。
方法：本研究采用的方法包括改良的基于狂犬病病毒的逆行神经追踪技术，常规病毒顺行追踪，和免疫组织化学染色程序。
结果：总共鉴定了43个向NTSPNMT神经元突出的上游核，跨越几个关键的大脑区域，包括延髓，pons,中脑,小脑,间脑,和端脑。值得注意的是,从中央杏仁核观察到NTSPNMT神经元的密集投影，下丘脑室旁核,区域后，和巨细胞网状核。相比之下,腹外侧延髓,外侧臂旁核，下丘脑外侧区被确定为源自NTSPNMT神经元的轴突末端的主要目的地。此外,在21个核中，相互投影很明显，主要位于延髓内。
结论：我们的研究结果表明，NTSPNMT神经元与众多细胞核形成广泛的联系，强调它们在重要自主神经功能的稳态调节中的重要作用。
方法：本研究采用的方法包括改良的基于狂犬病病毒的逆行神经追踪技术，常规病毒顺行追踪，和免疫组织化学染色程序。
结果：总共鉴定了43个向NTSPNMT神经元突出的上游核，跨越几个关键的大脑区域，包括延髓，pons,中脑,小脑,间脑,和端脑。值得注意的是,从中央杏仁核观察到NTSPNMT神经元的密集投影，下丘脑室旁核,区域后，和巨细胞网状核。相比之下,腹外侧延髓,外侧臂旁核，下丘脑外侧区被确定为源自NTSPNMT神经元的轴突末端的主要目的地。此外,在21个核中，相互投影很明显，主要位于延髓内。
结论：我们的研究结果表明，NTSPNMT神经元与众多细胞核形成广泛的联系，强调它们在重要自主神经功能的稳态调节中的重要作用。
