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Updated: May 26, 2026
09:56
Implantation of Combined Telemetric ECG and Blood Pressure Transmitters to Determine Spontaneous Baroreflex Sensitivity in Conscious Mice
Published on: February 14, 2021
Medial prefrontal cortex endocannabinoid system modulates baroreflex activity through CB(1) receptors
Nilson C Ferreira-Junior1, Alessandra G Fedoce, Fernando H F Alves
1Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
The endocannabinoid system in the medial prefrontal cortex modulates baroreflex activity via CB1 receptors. Blocking these receptors increases baroreflex, while enhancing anandamide levels decreases it, suggesting CB1 receptor activation regulates glutamate release.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Neural reflexes, including the baroreflex, are crucial for cardiovascular regulation.
- Previous research indicates that glutamatergic synapses in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) influence baroreflex activity.
- The endocannabinoid system (eCBs), particularly anandamide, can modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission in the vMPFC via presynaptic CB1 receptor activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CB1 receptors in the vMPFC in modulating baroreflex activity.
- To determine if modulating anandamide levels in the vMPFC affects baroreflex function.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral microinjections of CB1 receptor antagonist (AM251) or anandamide transporter inhibitor (AM404) and FAAH inhibitor (URB597) into the vMPFC of unanesthetized rats.
- Measurement of baroreflex activity following these microinjections.
- Assessment of the interaction between CB1 receptor blockade and anandamide modulation on baroreflex activity.
Main Results:
- Microinjection of AM251 into the vMPFC significantly increased baroreflex activity.
- Microinjection of AM404 or URB597 into the vMPFC significantly decreased baroreflex activity.
- Pretreatment with a low dose of AM251 blocked the effects of AM404 and URB597 on baroreflex activity.
Conclusions:
- The endocannabinoid system in the vMPFC modulates baroreflex activity.
- This modulation is mediated through the activation of CB1 receptors.
- CB1 receptor activation in the vMPFC appears to regulate local glutamate release, thereby influencing baroreflex control of the cardiovascular system.
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