Changes of the amino acid receptors in solitary tract nucleus of rats with spinal cord injury

Objective To investigate the changes of the amino acid receptors in solitary tract nucleus(NTS)of rats after spinal cord injury(SCI).Methods The rat model of T4 spinal cord transection was used in this study.The study was divided into SCI group(n=5)and Control group(n=5).Changes in mean arterial pressure(MAP)and heart rate(HR)were observed at 1,2,3,4,and 6 weeks after SCI;and the protein expression of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1(NMDA-R1)and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor Aα1(GABAA-α1)in the NTS were detected by Western blotting analysis at different time points.Results The MAP level was significantly decreased at 1-3 weeks after SCI(P0.05),and it gradually recovered 4 weeks after SCI;the HR was significantly increased 1-4 weeks after SCI(P0.05)and recovered at the 6th week.The results of Western blotting analysis showed that the protein expression of GABAA-α1 was significantly increased 2 weeks after SCI and significantly reduced at 4 and 6 weeks after SCI(P0.05).Moreover,the ratio of NMDA-R1 to GABAA-α1 expression in NTS was significantly elevated after SCI(P0.05).Conclusion The adaptable changes of important receptors in the NTS following SCI may improve SCI-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.