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Time-dependent changes in spontaneous respiratory activity in turtle brainstems in vitro
J E R Wilkerson1, M R Wenninger, G S Mitchell
1Center for Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. wilkersj@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|November 12, 2003
Summary
Altering the bath solution composition for turtle brainstems in vitro can affect respiratory motor output. Nutrient-rich media accelerated the loss of respiratory activity, while phenylbiguanide solution altered burst frequency and pattern.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Maintaining respiratory motor output in vitro is crucial for studying neural control of breathing.
- Time-dependent decline in respiratory activity is a common challenge in brainstem slice preparations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if modifying the composition of the bathing solution can mitigate time-dependent reductions in respiratory motor output.
- To assess the impact of different solutions on the stability and pattern of respiratory activity in turtle brainstems.
Main Methods:
- Adult turtle brainstems were superfused with standard solution, varying concentrations of Dulbecco's Eagle media, or standard solution with phenylbiguanide (PBG).
- Respiratory motor output, specifically hypoglossal nerve activity, was monitored for changes in burst frequency and amplitude over time.
Main Results:
- Hypoglossal burst frequency remained stable in most solutions within 100 minutes, except for a 63% increase in PBG solution.
- 100% Dulbecco's solution led to rapid abolition of respiratory activity (within 7 hours), while other solutions maintained activity for 24-31 hours.
- Burst frequency declined more rapidly in standard and 25% Dulbecco's solutions compared to PBG solution after 12 hours.
- Amplitude decreased by approximately 2% per hour across all solutions.
- The tendency for episodic discharge was reduced in 25% Dulbecco's and PBG solutions.
Conclusions:
- Certain bath solutions can alter the stability of respiratory motor output in vitro.
- While some solutions may slow frequency decline, they can also induce changes in breathing patterns, highlighting a trade-off in experimental design.
- Optimizing bath solution composition is critical for long-term studies of respiratory control mechanisms.