Glutamatergic neurotransmission in the nucleus tractus solitarii: structural and functional characteristics.

Glutamate is the main excitatory transmitter in the central nervous system. As such, it plays a major role in transmitting and processing visceral sensory information within the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). Here, we review current knowledge on NTS glutamatergic transmission. We describe the main organizational features of NTS glutamatergic synapses as determined by work performed during the last decade using antibodies against glutamate receptors and transporters proteins. In light of these recent neuronatomical findings, we discuss some functional properties of developing and adult NTS glutamatergic synapses.