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| • |
NE inhibits bulbospinal RVL neurons by
activating alpha2-
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adrenoceptors (a2-ARs) located
postsynaptically and
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presynaptically on glutamatergic terminals.
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| • |
Contrary to our expectations, a2-ARs were also found on
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GABAergic inputs to these cells.
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Unlike the postsynaptic
effects, the decrease of synaptic
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transmission by NE was not sensitive to barium,
indicating that
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different mechanisms of action are involved in the pre- and
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postsynaptic effects of NE.
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| • |
Finally, all
effects of NE were mimicked by the prototypical
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imidazoline ligand moxonidine which was found to
behave like
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an a2-AR agonist.
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