The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) is known to control vagal activity. It is unknown whether the DMV regulates sympathetic activity and whether salusin-β in the DMV contributes to autonomic nervous activity. We investigated the roles of salusin-β in DMV in regulating sympathetic-parasympathetic balance and its underline mechanisms. Microinjections were carried out in the DMV and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in male adult anesthetized rats. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Immunohistochemistry for salusin-β and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production in the DMV were examined. Salusin-β was expressed in the intermediate DMV (iDMV). Salusin-β in the iDMV not only inhibited RSNA but also enhanced vagal activity and thereby reduced blood pressure and heart rate. The roles of salusin-β in causing vagal activation were mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent superoxide anion production in the iDMV. The roles of salusin-β in inhibiting RSNA were mediated by not only the NAD(P)H oxidase-originated superoxide anion production in the iDMV but also the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor activation in PVN. Moreover, endogenous salusin-β and ROS production in the iDMV play a tonic role in inhibiting RSNA. These results indicate that salusin-β in the iDMV inhibits sympathetic activity and enhances vagal activity, and thereby reduces blood pressure and heart rate, which are mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent ROS production in the iDMV. Moreover, GABAA receptor in the PVN mediates the effect of salusin-β on sympathetic inhibition. Endogenous salusin-β and ROS production in the iDMV play a tonic role in inhibiting sympathetic activity.
Keywords: blood pressure; dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus; paraventricular nucleus; reactive oxygen species; salusin; sympathetic activity; γ-aminobutyric acid.