C1 neurons: a nodal point for stress?

Abstract

The C1 cells are catecholaminergic and glutamatergic neurons located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Collectively, these neurons innervate sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and countless brain structures involved in autonomic regulation, arousal and stress. Optogenetic inhibition of rostral C1 neurons has little effect on BP at rest in conscious rats but produces large BP drops when the animals are anesthetized or exposed to hypoxia. Optogenetic C1 stimulation increases BP and produces arousal from non-REM sleep. C1 cell stimulation mimics the effect of restraint stress to attenuate kidney injury caused by renal ischemia-reperfusion. These effects are mediated by the sympathetic nervous system through the spleen and eliminated by silencing the C1 neurons. These few examples illustrate that, depending on the nature of the stress, the C1 cells mediate adaptive responses of a homeostatic or allostatic nature.

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