Organotypic slice cultures containing the preBötzinger complex generate respiratory-like rhythms

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Acute brain slice preparations are limited for long-term respiratory rhythm studies.
• The preBötzinger complex (preBötC) is key to generating respiratory rhythms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an organotypic slice culture of the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) for extended research.
• To assess the functional and rhythmic capabilities of the developed slice culture.

Main Methods:

• Developed organotypic slice cultures containing the preBötC.
• Measured network oscillations using calcium-sensitive dyes.
• Performed whole-cell recordings from neurons and glial fibrillary associated protein-expressing astrocytes.

Main Results:

• Slice cultures maintained inspiratory-like rhythmic function for up to 43 days in vitro.
• Slice cocultures with cerebellar explants showed significantly faster burst frequencies and higher signal amplitudes compared to acute slices.
• Neuronal activity, not glial activity, drove the observed oscillations.

Conclusions:

• Organotypic preBötC slice cultures retain essential rhythmic function for respiratory control.
• This preparation enables long-term experiments like genetic manipulation and drug exposure.
• The model is suitable for cellular, synaptic, and network-level imaging and electrophysiology.