Angiotensin II AT1 receptors mediate neuronal sensitization and sustained blood pressure response induced by a single injection of amphetamine

MARCHESE, NA *EQUAL CONTRIBUTION; PAZ, MC *EQUAL CONTRIBUTION; CAEIRO, X; DADAM, FN; BAIARDI, G; PEREZ, MF; BREGONZIO, C

NEUROSCIENCE

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 p. 521 - 521

0306-4522

single exposure to amphetamine induces neurochemical sensitization in striatal areas. The neuropeptide angiotensin II, through AT1 receptors (AT1-R) activation, is involved in these responses. However, amphetamine-induced alterations can be extended to extrastriatal areas involved in blood pressure control and their physiological outcomes. Our aim for the present study was to analyze the possible role for AT1-R in these events using a twoinjection protocol and to further characterize the efficacy of the proposed AT1-R antagonism protocol. Central effect of orally administered AT1-R blocker (3mg/kg p.o. × 5 days) was analyzed recording spontaneous activity of the locus coeruleus. In another group of animals, pretreated with AT1-R blocker or vehicle, sensitization was achieved by a single administration of amphetamine (5mg/kg i.p- day 6) followed by a 3 week period off drug. After receiving an amphetamine challenge (0.5mg/kg i.p), we evaluated: 1) the sensitized cFos expression in loc