Whole body sodium depletion modifies AT1 mRNA expression and serotonin content in the dorsal raphe nucleus

Abstract

Angiotensin II (ANG II) acts on AT1 receptors located in the organum vasculosum and subfornical organ (SFO) of the lamina terminalis as a main facilitatory mechanism of sodium appetite. The brain serotonin (5‐HT) system with soma located in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) provides a main inhibitory mechanism. In the present work, we first investigated the existence of ANG II AT1 receptors in serotonergic DRN neurons. Then, we examined whether whole body sodium depletion affects the gene expression of the AT1a receptor subtype and the presumed functional significance of AT1 receptors. Using confocal microscopy, we found that tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 and serotonin neurons express AT1 receptors in the DRN. Immunofluorescence quantification showed a significant reduction in 5‐HT content, but no change in AT1 receptor expression or AT1/5‐HT colocalisation in the DRN after sodium depletion. Whole body sodium depletion also significantly increased Agtr1a mRNA expression in the SFO and DRN. Oral treatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan reversed the changes in Agtr1a expression in the SFO, but not the DRN. Losartan injection into either the DRN or the mesencephalic aqueduct had no influence on sodium depletion‐induced 0.3 M NaCl intake. The results indicate the expression of Agtr1a mRNA in the DRN and SFO as a marker of sodium depletion. They also suggest that serotonergic DRN neurons are targets for ANG II. However, the function of their AT1 receptors remains elusive.

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