Central galanin and N-terminal galanin fragment induce c-Fos immunoreactivity in the medulla oblongata of the anesthetized rat.

This immunohistochemical study analyzed the c-Fos expression (c-Fos-ir) induced by galanin injections. Galanin and N-terminal galanin fragment (1-15) induced a significant increase of c-Fos expression (c-ir) within the medulla oblongata 90 min and 6 h. after intracisternal injections. This expression has been studied mainly in the nucleus of the solitary tract and in the ventrolateral medulla showing different temporal profiles for both peptides. The presence of c-Fos-ir in TH-positive cells was analyzed in all the groups. These results may be relevant to understand the role of galanin in several functions including central cardiovascular control.