Different respiratory patterns elicited by microinjection of L-glutamic acid into the ventrolateral nucleus of the tractus solitarius in cats.

Only limited information relating neurotransmitters to central regulation of the respiratory system exists. L-glutamic acid has been proposed as the primary neurotransmitter in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius (NTS) of cats. To test whether or not glutamic acid has an effect on the respiratory center, we microinjected L-glutamic acid (1 M, 0.1 microliter) via a 1 microliter Hamilton microsyringe into the ventrolateral area of the NTS dorsal respiratory groups (DRG) of unanesthetized, decerebrated cats at two-second intervals with continuous monitoring of tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (f), end tidal CO2, blood pressure and heart rate. The results showed that glutamate induced the following respiratory changes: VT and f increased; VT and f decreased; and VT decreased but f increased. In addition to VT or f changes elicited by glutamate microinjection, changes in other rhythmic patterns such as apnea, apneusis and irregular respiration were observed. Glutamic acid appears to play a significant role in the modulation of the respiratory drive in the DRG. We, therefore, suggest that the excitatory amino acid L-glutamic acid may be involved in central respiratory control.