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Neural Control of Respiration

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The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
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The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
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Physiological Control of Respiration

Physiological Control of Respiration

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Brainstem

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording

Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording

Published on: November 19, 2015

Specific neural substrate linking respiration to locomotion.

Jean-François Gariépy¹, Kianoush Missaghi, Stéphanie Chevallier

¹Central Nervous System Research Group, Department of Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada H3T 1J4.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|December 14, 2011

Summary

Researchers discovered that neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) directly control respiratory increases during movement. This finding clarifies the neural basis of respiratory adaptation to exercise in vertebrates.

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Published on: March 23, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Comparative Physiology
Respiratory Control

Background:

Increased energy demands during locomotion necessitate respiratory adjustments.
The precise neural mechanisms linking movement and respiration remain largely unknown.
Lamprey models offer insights into fundamental vertebrate neural control systems.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the neural substrates responsible for increased respiration during locomotion.
To investigate the role of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) in respiratory control.
To elucidate the direct neural pathways connecting locomotor and respiratory centers.

Main Methods:

Utilized in vitro and semi-intact lamprey preparations.
Employed electrophysiological recordings (whole-cell patch clamp) and anatomical tracing.
Pharmacologically blocked specific neural pathways using antagonists like CNQX and AP5.

Main Results:

Stimulation of the MLR induced respiratory increases, even without spinal cord input.
Identified dorsal MLR neurons projecting directly to respiratory generator neurons.
Blockade of MLR glutamatergic connections significantly reduced movement-related respiratory changes without affecting locomotion.

Conclusions:

The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) directly influences respiratory centers.
Glutamatergic neurons within the MLR are crucial for coordinating respiration with locomotion.
This study reveals a key neural circuit for respiratory adaptation during movement.