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Non-invasive Assessment of Changes in Corticomotoneuronal Transmission in Humans
Published on: May 24, 2017
Modulation of Hering-Breuer reflex by ventrolateral pons.
Hui Wang1, Heng Zhang, Gang Song
1Shandong University, Laboratory of Respiratory Neurobiology, Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan 250012, PR China. wanghui200211742@yahoo.com.cn
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 19, 2007
Summary
The ventrolateral pons modulates the Hering-Breuer reflex (HBR) strength. Electrical stimulation enhanced HBR, while NMDA receptor blockade weakened it, suggesting vl-pons involvement in respiratory control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The Hering-Breuer reflex (HBR) is a vagally-mediated respiratory reflex.
- The dorsolateral pons is known to modulate the HBR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the ventrolateral pons (vl-pons) in modulating the HBR.
- To determine if NMDA receptor activity in the vl-pons influences HBR strength.
Main Methods:
- Experiments were conducted on urethane-anesthetized adult rats.
- The HBR was elicited via electrical vagus nerve stimulation.
- The vl-pons was manipulated using electrical stimulation and MK-801 microinjection.
Main Results:
- Electrical stimulation of the vl-pons strengthened the HBR's inspiratory inhibition and expiratory prolongation.
- Microinjection of MK-801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) into the vl-pons weakened the HBR.
- These findings indicate a modulatory role for the vl-pons in HBR function.
Conclusions:
- The ventrolateral pons influences respiratory rhythm by modulating the Hering-Breuer reflex.
- NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the vl-pons is involved in this modulation.
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