Research reportActivation of GABAA or 5HT1A receptors in the raphé pallidus abolish the cardiovascular responses to exogenous stress in conscious rats

Dysfunction in serotonin (5HT) neurotransmission in the brainstem of infants may disrupt protective responses to stress and increase the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The raphé pallidus (NRP) and other brainstem nuclei are rich in 5HT and are thought to mediate stress responses, including increases in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Determining how 5HT neurotransmission in the brainstem mediates responses to stress will help to explain how dysfunction in neurotransmission could increase the risk of SIDS. It was hypothesized that alterations in neurotransmission in the NRP, specifically activation of the 5HT1A receptor subtype, would block cardiovascular responses to various types of exogenous stress. Using aseptic techniques, male Sprague-Dawley rats were instrumented with radiotelemetry probes which enabled non-invasive measurement of BP and HR. An indwelling microinjection cannula was also stereotaxically implanted into the NRP for injection of drugs that altered local 5HT neurotransmission. Following a one week recovery period, rats were microinjected with either muscimol (GABAA receptor agonist), 8-OH-DPAT (agonist to the inhibitory 5HT1A receptor), or a vehicle control (artificial cerebral spinal fluid; ACSF) immediately prior to exposure to one of three stressors: handling, air jet, or restraint. Physical handling and restraint of the animal were designed to elicit a mild and a maximal stress response respectively; while an air jet directed at the rat's face was used to provoke a psychological stress that did not require physical contact. All three stressors elicited similar and significant elevations in HR and BP following ACSF that persisted for at least 15 min with BP and HR elevated by ∼14.0 mmHg and ∼56.3 bpm respectively. The similarity in the stress responses suggest even mild handling of a rat elicits a maximal sympathoexcitatory response. The stress response was abolished following 8-OH-DPAT or muscimol microinjection suggesting the cardiovascular responses to stress are mediated by the NRP and likely involve the 5HT1A receptor. Impairment in 5HT1A receptor function in the NRP likely impairs the normal cardioprotective responses to stress and may contribute to the etiology of SIDS.

► Dysfunction in serotonin neurotransmission has been linked to SIDS. ► We explore the role of serotonin in the raphé pallidus of the brainstem in the cardiovascular response to stress. ► Activation of GABAA receptors or 5HT1A receptors abolishes the HR and BP response to exogenous stress. ► The raphé pallidus is likely responsible for mediation of protective cardiovascular responses to stress, likely via the 5HT1A receptor.