Effect of dorsolateral pontine lesions on diaphragmatic activity during REMS

Muscle atonia is a feature of normal rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS). The suppression of accessory respiratory muscle activity has been investigated and a role for sleep-disordered breathing hypothesized, but the suppression of diaphragmatic activity has rarely been considered. We hypothesized that the activity of the diaphragm was suppressed by an area of the dorsolateral pons during REMS. Lesions in this region have previously been shown to abolish the atonia of REMS. The diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) activity was analyzed in five naturally sleeping cats before and after pontine lesions leading to REMS without atonia. Although respiratory timing parameters were not altered by the lesion, the inspiratory rate of rise was significantly increased in all cats, and the brief pauses (40-100 ms) in the diaphragmatic EMG normally seen in REMS were virtually abolished. We conclude that the dorsolateral pons has a role in suppressing diaphragmatic activation during REMS. This suppression affects the average rate of rise of diaphragmatic activity and also leads to brief intermittent complete cessation of ongoing muscle activity. These decrements in diaphragm activity could jeopardize ventilation during REMS.