[Glutaminergic neurons expressing c-Fos in the brainstem and amygdala participate in signal transmission and integration of sweet taste]

Abstract

Objective: To examine the role of glutaminergic neurons in the transmission and integration of the sweat taste information in the brain stem and the amygdala.

Methods: Conscious Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to oral sweet taste or water (control) stimulations. The activated neurons were identified by detecting c-Fos expression in taste-related brain areas, and the glutaminergic neurons by detecting vesicular glutamate transpoter-3 (VGLUT3).

Results: Compared with control group, the rats with oral sucrose solution stimulation exhibited significantly increased c-Fos-expressing and double-labeled neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST), the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and the amygdala.

Conclusion: Neurons in the NST, PBN and amygdala are activated after oral sweet taste stimulation. The sweet taste perception at different levels in the CNS is partly mediated by glutamate.