Cannabinoid Receptor Activation in the Nucleus Tractus Solitaries Produces Baroreflex-Like Responses in the Rat

Abstract The effects of cannabinoids on the baroreflex have been investigated in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). In urethane-anesthetized rats, microinjection of the cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist WIN 55212-2 (100 mM) into the NTS produced a short lasting decrease in arterial pressure (from 95.2 ± 2.9 to 76.2 ± 1.5, n=5, P<0.05) but no change in the heart rate. Another cannabinoid agonist, CP 55940 (100 mM) also caused hypotensive responses (from 90.2 ± 11.3 to 66.4 ± 12.3 mmHg, n=5,