Glutaminergic neurons expressing c-Fos in the brainstem and amygdala participate in signal transmission and integration of sweet taste.
- Author:
Xiao-lin ZHAO
1
;
Jian-qun YAN
;
Ke CHEN
;
Xue-juan YANG
;
Jin-rong LI
;
Yuan ZHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Amygdala; physiology; Animals; Brain Stem; physiology; Glutamic Acid; metabolism; Male; Neurons; metabolism; physiology; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; metabolism; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Signal Transduction; Solitary Nucleus; cytology; physiology; Sucrose; administration & dosage; metabolism; Taste Perception; physiology; Vesicular Glutamate Transport Proteins; metabolism
- From: Journal of Southern Medical University 2011;31(7):1138-1141
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo examine the role of glutaminergic neurons in the transmission and integration of the sweat taste information in the brain stem and the amygdala.
METHODSConscious Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to oral sweet taste or water (control) stimulations. The activated neurons were identified by detecting c-Fos expression in taste-related brain areas, and the glutaminergic neurons by detecting vesicular glutamate transpoter-3 (VGLUT3).
RESULTSCompared with control group, the rats with oral sucrose solution stimulation exhibited significantly increased c-Fos-expressing and double-labeled neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST), the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and the amygdala.
CONCLUSIONNeurons in the NST, PBN and amygdala are activated after oral sweet taste stimulation. The sweet taste perception at different levels in the CNS is partly mediated by glutamate.
