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Thoracic sympathetic chain stimulation modulates and entrains the respiratory pattern
R R Dhingra1, G Kola2, S J Lewis2
1Division of Systems Neurophysiology, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia.
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|March 21, 2019
Summary
Stimulating the thoracic sympathetic chain (TSC) slows breathing in mammals. This study in juvenile rats shows TSC afferents modulate respiration via the thoracic spinal cord, potentially linking locomotion and breathing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Thoracic sympathetic chain (TSC) afferents influence respiratory rhythm, but their physiological role and central pathways are poorly understood.
- Previous studies in dogs, monkeys, and humans indicate TSC afferent stimulation slows respiration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TSC afferents in respiratory modulation using a juvenile rat model.
- To determine the central pathways involved in TSC afferent signaling.
Main Methods:
- Perfused juvenile rat preparation.
- Tonic and rhythmic stimulation of the thoracic sympathetic chain (TSC).
- Recording of respiratory nerve activity (vagal and abdominal).
- High thoracic spinal cord transection.
Main Results:
- TSC stimulation modulated expiratory and inspiratory intervals, lengthening expiration.
- Respiratory modulation showed habituation.
- Spinal cord transection abolished TSC-evoked modulation, indicating a spinal cord relay.
- Rhythmic TSC stimulation entrained the central respiratory rhythm, aligning with the late expiratory phase.
Conclusions:
- Juvenile rats are a suitable model for studying TSC afferent roles in respiration.
- TSC afferents are relayed within the thoracic spinal cord.
- TSC stimulation can entrain respiratory rhythm, supporting a role in locomotor-respiratory coupling via visceral mechanosensory feedback.
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