Kir2.3-ir, TASK-1-ir, and Kv1.4-ir cell counts were markedly reduced in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of BN rats compared with SS rats. The average (±SE) total (Nissl; A) and Kir2.3-ir (B), TASK-1-ir (C), and Kv1.4-ir (D) cell counts from −0.7 to 1.1 mm caudal and rostral to obex, respectively, are shown for SS (n = 6) and BN (n = 7) male rats. Note that there are significantly fewer TASK-1-ir, Kir2.3-ir, and Kv1.4-ir cells in BN rats compared with SS rats in the NTS, despite equal numbers of total cells. P values included are for the interaction term of two-way ANOVA (strain × caudal-rostral distance).