Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors and Afferent Synaptic Transmission in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

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Abstract
The nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) is the point of first synaptic contact of a variety of visceral afferent nerves within the central nervous system (CNS) and plays an important part in a wide range of autonomic reflexes. 1 As an example, the importance of NTS to cardiovascular regulation has been recognized for some time. 1-4 With relatively straightforward experimental access to peripheral nerves, a good deal is known about the functional characteristics of the afferent and efferent neurons contributing to these baroreflexes. However, much less is known about the CNS components of baroreflexes or any other reflexes evoked by visceral afferents. In the following discussion, we will use cardiovascular afferents as a focus for discussion of the issue of excitatory amino acid neurotransmission of visceral afferents in general.

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