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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
Phox2b, RTN/pFRG neurons and respiratory rhythmogenesis
Hiroshi Onimaru1, Keiko Ikeda, Kiyoshi Kawakami
1Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142, Japan. oni@med.showa-u.ac.jp
Phox2b-expressing neurons in the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG) are vital for breathing rhythm and CO2 sensing. These neurons are essential for respiratory control and survival after birth.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Phox2b-expressing cells in the ventral medulla are implicated in central chemoreception and survival.
- The Phox2b-immunoreactive cell cluster in the rostral ventrolateral medulla may be the retrotrapezoid nucleus, containing glutamatergic neurons expressing NK1R.
- This region overlaps with the parafacial respiratory group (pFRG), known for pre-inspiratory (Pre-I) neurons involved in respiratory rhythm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on Phox2b-expressing pFRG/Pre-I neurons.
- To discuss the functional role of these neurons in respiratory control and chemoreception.
Main Methods:
- Investigated Phox2b expression in pFRG/Pre-I neurons in neonatal rats.
- Assessed postsynaptic CO2 sensitivity of these neurons.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that Phox2b is expressed in pFRG/Pre-I neurons in neonatal rats.
- Demonstrated that these neurons are postsynaptically sensitive to CO2.
Conclusions:
- Phox2b-expressing pFRG/Pre-I neurons are crucial for respiratory rhythm generation.
- These neurons play a significant role in central chemoreception, essential for postnatal survival.
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