Carotid occlusion increases the release of endogenous GABA in the nucleus of the solitary tract.

In anaesthetized cats, the nucleus of the solitary tract was bilaterally superfused through push-pull cannulae with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the effect of carotid occlusion on the release of endogenous GABA was investigated. Bilateral carotid occlusion led to a rise in blood pressure which was associated with a very pronounced increase in the release rate of GABA in the nucleus of the solitary tract. The results demonstrate the hypertensive function of GABA in the nucleus of the solitary tract and the importance of GABAergic neurons of this nucleus for the central cardiovascular control.