Effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide in the nucleus tractus solitarius on gastric motility in rats

BACKGROUND Hydrogen sulfide(H2S)is a recently discovered gaseous neurotransmitter in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems.It exerts its effects through multiple signaling pathways,impacting various physiological activities.The nucleus tractus solitarius(NTS),a vital nucleus involved in visceral sensation,was investigated in this study to understand the role of H2S in regulating gastric function in rats.AIM To examine whether H2S affects the nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 pathways and the neurokinin 1(NK1)receptor in the NTS.METHODS Immunohistochemical and fluorescent double-labeling techniques were employed to identify cystathionine beta-synthase(CBS)and c-Fos co-expressed positive neurons in the NTS during rat stress.Gastric motility curves were recorded by inserting a pressure-sensing balloon into the pylorus through the stomach fundus.Changes in gastric motility were observed before and after injecting different doses of NaHS(4 nmol and 8 nmol),physiological saline,Capsazepine(4 nmol)+NaHS(4 nmol),pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC,4 nmol)+NaHS(4 nmol),and L703606(4 nmol)+NaHS(4 nmol).RESULTS We identified a significant increase in the co-expression of c-Fos and CBS positive neurons in the NTS after 1 h and 3 h of restraint water-immersion stress compared to the expressions observed in the control group.Intra-NTS injection of NaHS at different doses significantly inhibited gastric motility in rats(P<0.01).However,injection of saline,first injection NF-κB inhibitor PDTC or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1)antagonist Capsazepine or NK1 receptor blockers L703606 and then injection NaHS did not produce significant changes(P>0.05).CONCLUSION NTS contains neurons co-expressing CBS and c-Fos,and the injection of NaHS into the NTS can suppress gastric motility in rats.This effect may be mediated by activating TRPV1 and NK1 receptors via the NF-κB channel.

Electroacupuncture modulates the activity of the hippocampus-nucleus tractus solitarius-vagus nerve pathway to reduce myocardial ischemic injury

The hippocampus is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system,together with the hypothalamus and brainstem nuclei,such as the paraventricular nucleus and nucleus tractus solitarius.The vagus nerve-nucleus tractus solitarius pathway has an important role in cardiovascular reflex regulation.Myocardial ischemia has been shown to cause changes in the autonomic nervous system,affecting the dynamic equilibrium of the sympathetic and vagal nerves.However,it remains poorly understood how the hippocampus communicates with brainstem nuclei to regulate the autonomic nervous system and alleviate myocardial ischemic tissue damage.A rat model of acute myocardial ischemia（AMI） was made by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery.Three days before ischemia,the hippocampal CA1 region was damaged.Then,3 days after ischemia,electroacupuncture（EA） at Shenmen（HT7）-Tongli（HT5） was performed（continuous wave,1 m A,2 Hz,duration of 30 minutes）.Cluster analysis of firing patterns showed that one type of neuron was found in rats in the sham and AMI groups.Three types of neurons were observed in the AMI ＋ EA group.Six types of neurons were found in the AMI ＋ EA ＋ Lesion group.Correlation analysis showed that the frequency of vagus nerve discharge in each group was negatively correlated with heart rate（HR）（P 〈 0.05,r =-0.424）,and positively correlated with mean arterial pressure（MAP）（P 〈 0.05,r = 0.40987） and the rate-pressure product（RPP）（P 〈 0.05,r = 0.4252）.The total frequency of the nucleus tractus solitarius discharge in each group was positively correlated with vagus nerve discharge（P 〈 0.01,r = 0.7021）,but not with hemodynamic index（HR： P 〉 0.05,r =-0.03263; MAP： P 〉 0.05,r =-0.08993; RPP： P 〉 0.05,r =-0.03263）.Some neurons（Neuron C） were negatively correlated with vagus nerve discharge,HR,MAP and RPP in the AMI ＋ EA group（vagus nerve discharge： P 〈 0.05,r =-0.87749; HR： P 〈 0.01,r =-0.91902; MAP： P 〈 0.05,r =-0.85691; RPP： P 〈 0.01,r =-0.91902）.Some neurons（Neurons C,D and E） were positively correlated with vagus nerve discharge,HR,MAP and RPP in the AMI ＋ EA ＋ Lesion group（vagus nerve discharge： P 〈 0.01,r = 0.8905,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9725,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9054; HR： P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9347,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9089,P 〈 0.05,r = 0.8247; MAP： P 〈 0.05,r = 0.8474,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9691,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9027; RPP： P 〈 0.05,r = 0.8637,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9407,P 〈 0.01,r = 0.9027）.These findings show that the hippocampus-nucleus tractus solitarius-vagus nerve pathway is involved in the cardioprotective effect of EA at the heart meridian.Some interneurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius may play a particularly important role in the cardiomodulatory process.

Nucleus tractus solitarius mediates hyperalgesia induced by chronic pancreatitis in rats

BACKGROUND Central sensitization plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of chronic pain induced by chronic pancreatitis(CP).We hypothesized that the nucleus tractus solitarius(NTS),a primary central site that integrates pancreatic afferents apart from the thoracic spinal dorsal horn,plays a key role in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of CP.AIM To investigate the role of the NTS in the visceral hypersensitivity induced by chronic pancreatitis.METHODS CP was induced by the intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS)in rats.Pancreatic hyperalgesia was assessed by referred somatic pain via von Frey filament assay.Neural activation of the NTS was indicated by immunohistochemical staining for Fos.Basic synaptic transmission within the NTS was assessed by electrophysiological recordings.Expression of vesicular glutamate transporters(VGluTs),N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B(NR2B),andα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor subtype 1(GluR1)was analyzed by immunoblotting.Membrane insertion of NR2B and GluR1 was evaluated by electron microscopy.The regulatory role of the NTS in visceral hypersensitivity was detected via pharmacological approach and chemogenetics in CP rats.RESULTS TNBS treatment significantly increased the number of Fos-expressing neurons within the caudal NTS.The excitatory synaptic transmission was substantially potentiated within the caudal NTS in CP rats(frequency:5.87±1.12 Hz in CP rats vs 2.55±0.44 Hz in sham rats,P<0.01;amplitude:19.60±1.39 pA in CP rats vs 14.71±1.07 pA in sham rats;P<0.01).CP rats showed upregulated expression of VGluT2,and increased phosphorylation and postsynaptic trafficking of NR2B and GluR1 within the caudal NTS.Blocking excitatory synaptic transmission via the AMPAR antagonist CNQX and the NMDAR antagonist AP-5 microinjection reversed visceral hypersensitivity in CP rats(abdominal withdraw threshold:7.00±1.02 g in CNQX group,8.00±0.81 g in AP-5 group and 1.10±0.27 g in saline group,P<0.001).Inhibiting the excitability of NTS neurons via chemogenetics also significantly attenuated pancreatic hyperalgesia(abdominal withdraw threshold:13.67±2.55 g in Gi group,2.00±1.37 g in Gq group,and 2.36±0.67 g in mCherry group,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that enhanced excitatory transmission within the caudal NTS contributes to pancreatic pain and emphasize the NTS as a pivotal hub for the processing of pancreatic afferents,which provide novel insights into the central sensitization of painful CP.

Effects of acupuncture at Sibai(ST 2) acupoint on neuronal discharge in rat nucleus tractus solitarius

BACKGROUND： Electrophysiology can prove the integration of afferent information from the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming in the nucleus tractus solitarius （NTS） and objectively describe the specific association between meridian vessels and Zang Fu organs. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of afferent information from acupuncture at Sibai （ST 2） acupoint on neuronal discharge in rat NTS. DESIGN, TIME AND SETFING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Key Laboratory of Meridian-Vessels and Zang Fu Organs, Traditional Chinese Medicine University of Hunan, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and the Biological Information of Hunan Higher Education Institutes, between December 2005 and October 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 52 Sprague Dawley rats, of either gender, aged 4 months, were included in this study. Acupuncture needles of 0.32 mm （diameter） x 40 mm （length） were used. METHODS： An extracellular recording protocol was applied. The Sibai （ST 2） acupoint in the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming was used as an acupuncture point （acupoint）. Simultaneously, Dicang （ST 4） and Neiting （ST 44） acupoints in the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming, Quanliao （S118） acupoint in the small intestine meridian of Hand-Taiyang, and a non-acupoint lateral to Sibai （ST 2） acupoint, were selected as controls. The Sibai （ST 2） acupoint was stimulated for 30 seconds by hand acupuncture through twirling and rotating, to determine the neurons responding to body surface stimulation in the NTS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Frequency of responding NTS neurons after acupuncture at four acupoints including Sibai （ST 2）, Dicang （ST 4）, Neiting （ST 44） and Quanliao （SI 18） and one non-acupoint. RESULTS： The frequency of responding NTS neurons was significantly higher after acupuncture at Sibaithan at control sites including the Dicang （ST 4）, Neiting （ST 44） and Quanliao （S118） acupoints and at the non-acupoint （P 〈 0.01）. The frequency of responding NTS neurons at Dicang （ST 4） and Quanliao （SI 18） was significantly higher than at Quanliao （SI 18） and the non-acupoint （P 〈 0.05）. The rate of frequency change of responding NTS neurons for the Sibai （ST 2）, Dicang （ST 4）, Neiting （ST 44）, and Quanliao （S118） acupoints as well as the non-acupoint was （35.08±4.80） %, （28.25± 5.46） %, （27.57± 4.87） %, （20.02 ±4.23） %, and （18.55 ±2.49） % respectively. Simultaneously, significant differences existed between Sibai （ST 2） and the other acupoints （P 〈 0.05 or P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Compared with the Dicang （ST 4） and Neiting （ST 44） acupoints in the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming, Quanliao （SI 18） acupoint in the small intestine meridian of Hand-Taiyang, and the non-acupoint lateral to Sibai （ST 2） acupoint, the Sibai （ST 2） acupoint in the stomach meridian of Foot- Yangming is more closely related to the NTS. In the stomach meridian of Foot- Yangming, afferent information is different in distant and near Shu acupoints, indicating that each Shu acupoint has its own specificity.

Mechanisms of Depressor Effect of Norepinephrine Injected into Subnucleus Commissuriu of Nucleus Solitarius Tractus in Rabbits

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of adrenergic system in the subnucleus commissuriu of nucleus solitrius tractus (CNTS) on renal nerve discharges. Norepinephrine (NE) was microinjected into the CNTS of rabbits and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and renal nerve discharges (FRND) were synchronously recorded. The results indicated that (1) microinjection of norepinephine into the CNTS of rabbit could significantly attenuate the frequency of renal nerve discharge, and at the same time decrease markedly the mean arterial pressure. (2) Microinjection of 0.3 nmol yohimbin into CNTS had no significant influence on FRND and MAP, but could attenuate and even reverse the effects of NE on FRND and MAP. These results suggest that microinjection of NE into CNTS may activate the alpha-adrenorecptor located in CNTS and secondarily produce a depressor effect by attenuating the activity of peripheral sympathetic nervous system.

Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus stimulation reduces intestinal injury in rats with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of stimulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus with glutamate acid in rats with ulcerative colitis(UC).METHODS: The rats were anesthetized with 10% chloral hydrate via abdominal injection and treated with an equal volume of TNBS + 50% ethanol enema, injected into the upper section of the anus with the tail facing up. Colonic damage scores were calculated after injecting a certain dose of glutamic acid into the paraventricular nucleus(p VN), and the effect of the nucleus tractus solitarius(NTS) and vagus nerve in alleviating UC injury through chemical stimulation of the p VN was observed in rats. Expression changes of C-myc, Apaf-1, caspase-3, interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-17 during the protection against UC injury through chemical stimulation of the p VN in rats were detected by Western blot. Malondialdehyde(MDA) content and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity in colon tissues of rats were measured by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Chemical stimulation of the PVN significantly reduced UC in rats in a dose-dependent manner. The protective effects of the chemical stimulationof the p VN on rats with UC were eliminated after chemical damage to the p VN. After glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid was injected into the p VN, the protective effects of the chemical stimulation of the p VN were eliminated in rats with UC. After AVpVl receptor antagonist([Deamino-penl, val4, D-Arg8]-vasopressin) was injected into NTS or bilateral chemical damage to NTS, the protective effect of the chemical stimulation of p VN on UC was also eliminated. After chemical stimulation of the p VN, SOD activity increased, MDA content decreased, C-myc protein expression significantly increased, caspase-3 and Apaf-1 protein expression significantly decreased, and IL-6 and IL-17 expression decreased in colon tissues in rats with UC. CONCLUSION: Chemical stimulation of the hypothalamic p VN provides a protective effect against UC injury in rats. Hypothalamic p VN, NTS and vagus nerve play key roles in this process.

Nitric oxide inhibits excitatory vagal afferent input to nucleus tractus solitarius neurons in anaesthetized rats

Objective Endogenous nitric oxide （NO） has been implicated in the regulation of neuronal activity which mediates cardiovascular reflexes. However, there is controversy concerning the role of NO in the nucleus tractus solitarius （NTS）. The present study aims to elucidate the possible physiological role of endogenous NO in modulating the excitatory vagal afferent input to NTS neurons. Methods All the experiments in the rat were conducted under anaesthetic conditions. Ionophoresis method was used for the application of NO donor or nitric oxide synthase （NOS） inhibitor, and single unit recording method was employed to detect the effects of these applications on vagal afferentor cardio-pulmonary C-fibre reflex-evoked neuronal excitation in NTS. Results Ionophoresis applications of L-arginine （L-Arg）, a substrate of NOS, and sodium nitroprusside （SNP）, a NO donor, both attenuated the vagal afferent-evoked discharge by （51.5±7.6）% （n = 17） and （68.3±7.1）% （n = 9）, respectively. In contrast, application of D-Arg at the same current exerted no overall effect on this input. Also, both L-Arg and SNP inhibited spontaneous firing of most of the recorded neurons. In contrast, ionophoresis application of NG-nitro-Larginine methyl ester （L-NAME） enhanced vagal afferent-evoked excitation by （66.3±11.4）% （n = 7）. In addition, ionophoresis application of L-Arg and SNP significantly attenuated cardio-pulmonary C-fibre reflex-induced excitation in the tested NTS neurons. Conclusion Activation of local NO pathway in the NTS could suppress vagal afferent-evoked excitation, suggesting that NO is an important neuromodulator of visceral sensory input in the NTS.

针刺次髎对大鼠自主神经系统相关神经元放电频率的影响

目的:观察针刺次髎穴对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)致全身重度炎症模型大鼠血清炎症因子的影响及针刺次髎穴对正常大鼠孤束核(nucleus tractus solitarii, NTS)神经元、蓝斑(locus caeruleus, LC)神经元与迷走神经放电频率的影响。方法:将18只体质量230~250 g雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、次髎组,除正常组外,其余组大鼠腹腔注射6 mg·kg-1LPS制备全身重度炎症大鼠模型,次髎组分别于造模前后针刺次髎穴30 min, ELISA检测血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)及IL-6的水平。将30只体质量300~320 g的雄性SD大鼠随机分为孤束核组、蓝斑组、迷走神经组,所有大鼠均选取左侧次髎穴进行直刺,刺激30s,利用电生理技术记录孤束核、蓝斑、迷走神经神经元细胞放电频率,并采用滂胺天蓝标记所记录神经元的位置。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平增加;与模型组比较,次髎组大鼠血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平降低,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。与针刺前比较,针刺次髎可增加孤束核、蓝斑及迷走神经神经元放电频率,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:针刺次髎穴可降低LPS模型大鼠血清炎性因子的水平,增强自主神经系统相关神经元的放电频率。

刺激室旁核及加压素对大鼠胃缺血-再灌注损伤的保护作用

采用夹闭大鼠腹腔动脉 30min ,松开动脉夹血流复灌 1h的胃缺血 再灌注损伤 (gastricischemia reperfu sioninjury ,GI RI)模型 ,观察了电或化学刺激室旁核 (paraventricularnucleus,PVN)及外源性加压素 (arginine vasopres sion ,AVP)对GI RI的影响 ,并对PVN的调控通路进行了初步分析。结果表明 :电或化学刺激PVN后 ,GI RI显著减轻 ;损毁双侧孤束核 (nucleustractussolitarius,NTS)或一侧NTS内注射AVP V1受体阻断剂 ,均能取消电刺激PVN对GI RI的效应 ;去除脑垂体后不影响PVN的作用 ;切断膈下迷走神经或切除腹腔交感神经节 ,则能加强电刺激PVN对GI RI的影响 ;PVN内注射不同剂量的AVP同样能减轻大鼠GI RI损伤。结果提示 :PVN及AVP对大鼠GI RI具有保护作用 ;PVN的这种作用可能是因电或化学刺激后 ,激活了其中的加压素能神经元 ,经其下行投射纤维释放AVP作用于NTS神经元的AVP V1受体 ,并通过迷走和交感神经介导 ,从而影响GI RI;而似与PVN

胃缺血/再灌注损伤引起大鼠脑室旁核及孤束核c-fos表达

目的 :观察电和化学刺激下丘脑室旁核 (PVN)对大鼠胃缺血 /再灌注损伤 (GI/RI)的影响及孤束核 (NTS)在其中的作用和GI RI后PVN、NTS内c fos表达的情况。方法 :夹闭大鼠腹腔动脉 30min ,松开动脉夹血流复灌 1h制备GI/RI模型 ,应用Fos免疫组织化学法 (ABC法 )观察GI RI后中枢神经系统内c fos表达的情况。结果 :①电和化学刺激PVN后 ,GI/RI减轻。②损毁双侧NTS后 ,能取消电刺激PVN对GI RI的影响。③GI RI能引起PVN、NTS等核团内c fos表达增加。结论 :GI RI的伤害性刺激影响了PVN、NTS的功能。PVN、NTS参与了对GI RI的调控。

下丘脑室旁核对大鼠胃缺血-再灌注损伤调控的神经机制

采用夹闭大鼠腹腔动脉 30min ,松开动脉夹血流复灌 1h的胃缺血 再灌注损伤模型 ,观察了电和化学刺激以及电损毁下丘脑室旁核 (paraventricularnucleus,PVN)对大鼠胃缺血 再灌注损伤 (gastricischemia reperfusioninjury ,GI RI)的影响 ,并对其调控的神经机制进行了初步探讨。结果表明 :①电刺激PVN或PVN内注射L 谷氨酸后 ,GI RI均显著减轻 ;②电解损毁双侧PVN则能加重GI RI;③损毁双侧孤束核 (nucleustractussolitarius,NTS)后 ,能取消电刺激PVN对GI RI的减轻作用 ;④去除脑垂体后不影响电刺激PVN对GI RI的作用 ;⑤分别切断膈下迷走神经和切除腹腔交感神经节后 ,电刺激PVN使GI RI较单纯电刺激PVN组明显减轻。提示 :PVN是对GI RI具有保护作用的特异性中枢部位 ,孤束核以及外周迷走神经、交感神经均参与了PVN对GI RI的调控 ,而与室旁核

Sex differences in estrogen receptor promoter expression in the area postrema

Estrogen receptor a is widely distributed in the rat brain, but the tissue- or target-specificity of the estrogen receptor a gene promoters remains unknown. In the present study, we used transgenic rats expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of the estrogen receptor a 0/B promoter to examine expression driven by this promoter in two significant nuclei that regulate cardiovascular activity, the area postrema and the nucleus tractus solitarius. Immunohistochemistry showed that enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled cells were distributed in the area postrema and the nucleus tractus solitarius of both female and male transgenic rats, and a neural network of enhanced green fluorescent protein-positive fibers was seen between the area postrema and the nucleus tractus solitarius. The number of enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled cells in the area postrema of female rats was significantly higher than in the males, but no significant difference was found in the number of enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled cells in the nucleus tractus solitarius. The sex differences in the number of enhanced green fluorescent protein-labeled cells in the area postrema was not affected after ovariectomy or 1713-estradiol benzoate treatment in adult rats. Our results suggest that the effects of estrogen in the area postrema are related to the expression of estrogen receptor a under the control of the 0/B promoter, and changes in the sex hormone environment in the adult period do not affect estrogen receptor a expression in the area postrema or the nucleus tractus solitarius.

Brain inflammation in neurogenic hypertension

One likely mechanism of essential hypertension(EH) is increased sympathoexcitation due to abnormal functions in the cardiovascular center of the brain. Recent findings obtained using experimental animal models of EH have shown that abnormal inflammation in the cardiovascular center may contribute to the onset of hypertension. Inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species released from the inflamed vasculature and glial cells in the medulla oblongata and hypothalamus might directly or indirectly affect neuronal functions. This in turn could increase sympathetic nerve activity and consequently arterial pressure. Abnormal inflammatory responses in the brain could also be central mechanisms underlying angiotensin Ⅱ-related EH. In this review, we present the current understanding of EH mechanisms with regard to inflammatory responses in the cardiovascular center.

电刺激孤束核对大鼠心脏伤害性感受的作用及其脊髓机制的探讨

目的观察电刺激孤束核(nucleus tractus solitarius,NTS)对心包内注射辣椒素诱发的心脏-躯体运动反射(cardiac-somatic motor reflex,CMR)的影响,以及脊髓鞘内注射受体拮抗剂对NTS这一电刺激效应的影响,探讨参与NTS对心脏伤害性信息调控的脊髓机制。方法 SD大鼠随机分为电刺激组、对照组、育亨宾组、纳洛酮组。分别单独电刺激NTS或电刺激NTS结合脊髓鞘内注射溶媒、生理盐水、去甲肾上腺素α2受体阻断剂(育亨宾)或阿片受体阻断剂(纳洛酮),观察以背斜方肌肌电(electromyogram,EMG)活动为指标的CMR变化。结果与对照比较,电刺激(10、20、50μA)NTS,CMR呈强度依赖性的减少(P<0.05);鞘内注射育亨宾的溶媒或生理盐水10μL,对20μA电刺激的抑制效应没有明显影响(P>0.05);鞘内注射育亨宾(20、50μg)或纳洛酮(50、100μg),电刺激对CMR的抑制效应被翻转(P<0.05);鞘内注射小剂量的纳洛酮(10μg),使电刺激对CMR的抑制效应增强(P<0.05)。结论电刺激NTS对心脏伤害性感受信息有下行抑制作用,脊髓的α2去甲肾上腺素受体和阿片受体介导NTS的下行抑制作用,小剂量的纳洛酮对该下行抑制有协同作用。

Angiotensin Ⅱ-derived reactive oxygen species underpinning the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes in the medulla oblongata

The brainstem is a major site in the central nervous system involved in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes such as the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex. The nucleus tractus solitarius and the rostral ventrolateral medulla are 2 important brainstem nuclei, and they play pivotal roles in autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Angiotensin II is one of the neurotransmitters involved in the processing of the known that one of the mechanisms by which angiotensin II exerts cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. It is well- its effect is via the activation of pathways that generate reactive oxygen species （ROS）. In the central nervous system, ROS are reported to be involved in several pathological dis- eases such as hypertension, heart failure and sleep apnea. However, little is known about the role of ROS in the processing of the cardiovascular reflexes within the brainstem. The present review mainly discussed some recent findings documenting a role for ROS in the processing of the baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex in the brainstem.