TRPM4 mediates a subthreshold membrane potential oscillation in respiratory chemoreceptor neurons that drives pacemaker firing and breathing

Abstract

Brainstem networks that control regular tidal breathing depend on excitatory drive, including from tonically active, CO₂/H⁺-sensitive neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Here, we examine intrinsic ionic mechanisms underlying the metronomic firing activity characteristic of RTN neurons. In mouse brainstem slices, large-amplitude membrane potential oscillations are evident in synaptically isolated RTN neurons after blocking action potentials. The voltage-dependent oscillations are abolished by sodium replacement; blocking calcium channels (primarily L-type); chelating intracellular Ca²⁺; and inhibiting TRPM4, a Ca²⁺-dependent cationic channel. Likewise, oscillation voltage waveform currents are sensitive to calcium and TRPM4 channel blockers. Extracellular acidification and serotonin (5-HT) evoke membrane depolarization that augments TRPM4-dependent oscillatory activity and action potential discharge. Finally, inhibition of TRPM4 channels in the RTN of anesthetized mice reduces central respiratory output. These data implicate TRPM4 in a subthreshold oscillation that supports the pacemaker-like firing of RTN neurons required for basal, CO₂-stimulated, and state-dependent breathing.

Keywords: I(CaN); RTN; intrinsic excitability; retrotrapezoid nucleus.