A Low Sodium Diet Activates HSD2 Neurons in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii to Promote Sodium Appetite Via the cAMP/MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Abstract

Background: Sodium homeostasis is crucial for physiological balance, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sodium appetite remain incompletely understood. The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) integrates visceral signals to regulate feeding behaviors, including sodium intake. This study investigated the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2)-expressing neurons in the NTS in mediating sodium appetite under low-sodium diet (LSD) conditions and elucidated the molecular pathways involved, particularly the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade.

Methods: Using a murine model, sodium preference was assessed via a two-bottle choice test following LSD exposure. Previously published single-cell RNA sequencing data were re-analyzed to profile the transcriptional changes in HSD2 neurons. Pharmacological interventions employed MAPK inhibitor U0126 and cAMP inhibitor KH7 to dissect signaling contributions. Anterograde tracing and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to verify the efferent projections of HSD2 neurons. Autonomic function was evaluated by measuring blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and phrenic nerve discharge (PND) parameters in anesthetized mice during HSD2 neuron activation.

Results: LSD significantly activated HSD2 neurons and increased sodium intake. scRNA-seq analysis revealed upregulation of genes in the cAMP/MAPK pathways under LSD conditions. Pharmacological blockade of these pathways abolished LSD-induced sodium appetite. Anterograde tracing confirmed three primary downstream targets: the pre-locus coeruleus (pre-LC), lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBcL), and ventral lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vlBNST). Notably, HSD2 neuron activation did not alter BP, HR, or PND parameters, indicating no direct role in autonomic regulation.

Conclusions: LSD induces the activation of HSD2 neurons, which in turn causes sodium intake, a phenomenon that is eliminated by blocking the cAMP/MAPK signaling pathway. These neurons project to key forebrain and brainstem regions implicated in motivational behavior but do not directly modulate cardiovascular/respiratory functions. By replicating and extending prior research, this study supports and expands the present understanding of this field.