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Electrical coupling and excitatory synaptic transmission between rhythmogenic respiratory neurons in the preBötzinger
J C Rekling1, X M Shao, J L Feldman
1Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1763, USA.
Summary
Brainstem neurons control breathing. This study reveals electrical coupling between hypoglossal motoneurons and excitatory chemical transmission between preBötzinger complex neurons, crucial for breathing rhythm.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Breathing pattern generation is controlled by brainstem neurons.
- Understanding the synaptic interactions between these neurons is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electrical and chemical transmission between respiratory neurons.
- To examine synaptic interactions between hypoglossal (XII) motoneurons and preBötzinger complex (preBötC) type-1 neurons.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dual intracellular recordings from brainstem slices of newborn mice.
- Recorded from pairs of XII motoneurons and pairs of preBötC inspiratory type-1 neurons.
Main Results:
- Observed bidirectional electrical coupling between XII motoneurons and between preBötC type-1 neurons.
- Found low coupling strength and heavily filtered current transfer (<10 Hz).
- Demonstrated unidirectional excitatory chemical transmission (EPSPs ~3 mV) between type-1 neurons.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory motor output involves gap junction-mediated current transfer between motoneurons.
- Bidirectional electrical coupling and unidirectional excitatory chemical transmission in the preBötC may be vital for breathing rhythm generation and modulation.