Enhanced gamma-aminobutyric acid-B receptor agonist responses and mRNA within the nucleus of the solitary tract in hypertension

gamma-Aminobutyric acid-B (GABA(B)) receptor function and regulation in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was examined in Sprague-Dawley rats ma de chronically (4 to 5 weeks) hypertensive with the one-kidney, figure-8 re nal wrap model of hypertension. NTS microinjection of the GABA(B) agonist b aclofen produced a presser response that was enhanced in hypertensive rats compared with the response observed in sham-operated normotensive rats (36/-4 mm Hg increase in mean arterial pressure in 8 hypertensive rats compare d with 21+/-2 mm Hg increase in 7 sham-operated normotensive rats, P=0.03). Responses to microinjection of GABA(B) antagonists (CGP-55845A and SCH-905 11), the GABA(A) agonist muscimol, the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline, and the GABA reuptake inhibitor nipecotic acid were not different comparing nor motensive sham-operated and hypertensive rats. Renal sympathetic nerve resp onses to NTS microinjection of these drugs were not different in hypertensi ve compared with normotensive rats. Micropunches of the NTS were homogenize d and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to exam ine mRNA levels for the GABA(B) receptor. There was a 3-fold increase in GA BA(B) receptor mRNA levels in the caudal NTS of 7 chronically hypertensive rats compared with levels measured in 8 sham-operated normotensive rats (P= 0.01). In conclusion, chronic hypertension is associated with an upregulati on of GABA(B) receptor function; however, the tonic activity of the system does not appear to be different between normotensive and hypertensive rats. The upregulation of GABA(B) receptor function might be due to an increased number of receptors, as suggested by the elevated levels of GABA(B) recept or mRNA measured in the NTS of hypertensive rats. All of these alterations suggest that hypertension is associated with dynamic changes in receptor-me diated mechanisms within the NTS, and these alterations could modify barore flex regulation of cardiovascular function in hypertension.