Mechanism of glutamate receptor for excitation of medial vestibular nucleus induced by acute hypotension

► Glutamate and c-Fos protein were measured in MVN of conscious rats. ► Acute hypotension increased glutamate release and c-Fos protein in MVN. ► NMDA or AMPA increased expression of c-Fos protein in MVN. ► c-Fos protein expression induced by acute hypotension was blocked by MK-801 or CNQX. ► NMDA and AMPA receptors are involved in signal transmission following hypotension.