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Electroencephalographic evidence for pre-motor cortex activation during inspiratory loading in humans
Mathieu Raux1, Christian Straus, Stefania Redolfi
1Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris6, UPRES EA 2397, Paris, France.
The Journal of Physiology
|November 18, 2006
Summary
Awake humans use higher brain areas, not just the brainstem, to manage breathing difficulty. This study found cortical pre-motor activity during inspiratory loading, suggesting a role for the cerebral cortex in respiratory compensation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Mechanical inspiratory loading causes hypoventilation in animals and anesthetized humans, but awake humans compensate.
- This suggests a suprapontine (above the brainstem) regulatory mechanism beyond traditional brainstem control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the cortical pre-motor representation of inspiratory muscles in respiratory compensation during inspiratory loading in awake humans.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects underwent electroencephalography (EEG) during quiet breathing, CO2 stimulation, resistive loading, threshold loading, and voluntary sniffs.
- Pre-triggered ensemble averaging of Cz EEG data was used to detect pre-motor potentials preceding inspiration.
Main Results:
- Pre-motor potentials were observed during voluntary sniffs and both types of inspiratory loading (resistive and threshold).
- These pre-motor potentials were followed by motor potentials during loading conditions.
- Pre-motor potentials were largely absent during quiet breathing and CO2-stimulated breathing.
Conclusions:
- The compensation for inspiratory loading in awake humans involves higher cortical motor areas.
- This cortical involvement may explain altered sleep patterns in respiratory diseases like asthma.
