Hydrogen peroxide inhibits neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus via potassium channel activation

摘要

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is an important homeostatic and reflex center for neuroendocrine, respiratory, and autonomic regulation, including during hypoxic stressor challenges. Such challenges increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) to modulate synaptic, neuronal, and ion channel activity. Previously, in the nucleus tractus solitarius, another cardiorespiratory nucleus, we showed that the ROS H_2O_2 induced membrane hyperpolarization and reduced action potential discharge via increased K~+ conductance at the resting potential. Here, we sought to determine the homogeneity of influence and mechanism of action of H_2O_2 on PVN neurons. We recorded PVN neurons in isolation and in an acute slice preparation, which leaves neurons in their semi-intact network. Regardless of preparation, H_2O_2 hyperpolarized PVN neurons and decreased action potential discharge.