Modulation of respiratory frequency by peptidergic input to rhythmogenic neurons in the preBötzinger complex

Science. 1999 Nov 19;286(5444):1566-8. doi: 10.1126/science.286.5444.1566.

Abstract

Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and mu-opioid receptor (muOR) agonists affected respiratory rhythm when injected directly into the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), the hypothesized site for respiratory rhythmogenesis in mammals. These effects were mediated by actions on preBötC rhythmogenic neurons. The distribution of NK1R+ neurons anatomically defined the preBötC. Type 1 neurons in the preBötC, which have rhythmogenic properties, expressed both NK1Rs and muORs, whereas type 2 neurons expressed only NK1Rs. These findings suggest that the preBötC is a definable anatomic structure with unique physiological function and that a subpopulation of neurons expressing both NK1Rs and muORs generate respiratory rhythm and modulate respiratory frequency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / pharmacology
  • Female
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Medulla Oblongata / cytology
  • Medulla Oblongata / drug effects
  • Medulla Oblongata / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, GABA-B / analysis
  • Receptors, GABA-B / physiology
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / agonists
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / analysis
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / physiology*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / agonists
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / analysis
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / physiology*
  • Respiratory Mechanics / drug effects
  • Respiratory Mechanics / physiology*
  • Substance P / pharmacology
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects

Substances

  • Receptors, GABA-B
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-
  • Substance P