KCa1.1 is potential marker for distinguishing Ah-type baroreceptor neurons in NTS and contributes to sex-specific presynaptic neurotransmission in baroreflex afferent pathway

•KCa1.1 mediates the afferent-specific neurotransmission in NTS in both male and female rats.•Increased glutamate release is seen in C- not A-type afferents by blocking KCa1.1 in male rats.•∼50% capsaicin-insensitive afferents are myelinated Ah-type BRNs in NTS in female rats.•C-like KCa1.1-mediated glutamate release can also be seen in Ah-type BRNs in female NTS.•KCa1.1 functional expression is a potential maker for identifying Ah- from A-type afferent in NTS.