Chemosensitive neurons in the area postrema of the rat and their possible functions.

The present study is an attempt to demonstrate chemosensitive neurons within the area postrema (AP) electrophysiologically. Three types of chemosensitive neurons were identified: 1) glucose-responsive neurons that may participate in control of blood glucose and satiation, 2) sodium (osmotic pressure)-responsive neurons that may contribute to control of sodium and water balance of the body fluid and may be involved in salt appetite, 3) nausea-related neurons which respond to excess distension of stomach and LiCl as well. They may play a role in formation of conditioned taste aversion.