Functional characteristics of neuropeptides in the dorsal medulla oblongata and vagus nerve
Diz, D.I.; Barnes, K.L.; Ferrario, C.M.
Federation Proceedings 46(1): 30-35
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-9446 PMID: 3026859 Document Number: 303435
The dorsomedial medulla plays an integral role in the processing of primary sensory afferent information from the respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. A correlation has also been made between the topographical organization of these vagal afferent fibers in the dorsal medulla and the distribution of a variety of neuropeptides and their receptors in this brain region. In this paper, the evidence for the presence of several neuropeptides and their receptors in the dorsomedial medulla and intra- and/or extracranial segments of the vagus nerve is presented. The possible physiological significance of these peptides and their putative receptors in the vagus nerve is also addressed, with emphasis on angiotensin II and its cardiovascular actions in this region.