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Monosynaptic Projections to Excitatory and Inhibitory preBötzinger Complex Neurons
Cindy F Yang1, Euiseok J Kim2, Edward M Callaway2
1Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
|October 5, 2020
Summary
Researchers mapped direct brain connections to the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), the breathing rhythm's control center. This reveals new pathways for volitional, emotional, and physiological breathing control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) is central to generating breathing rhythm.
- Its activity is influenced by volitional, physiological, and emotional inputs.
- Direct neural projections to preBötC subpopulations from other brain regions remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and map direct monosynaptic inputs to excitatory and inhibitory subpopulations of the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC).
- To elucidate the neural circuitry underlying volitional, emotional, and physiological control of breathing.
Main Methods:
- Utilized modified rabies tracing techniques in mice.
- Identified neurons projecting directly to genetically identified excitatory and inhibitory preBötC neurons.
Main Results:
- Mapped brainstem projections from regions including the contralateral preBötC, Bötzinger Complex, nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), parafacial region (pF), and parabrachial nuclei (PB).
- Identified suprapontine projections from the superior colliculus, red nucleus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and cortex.
- Demonstrated direct projections to both excitatory and inhibitory preBötC neurons from these diverse brain areas.
Conclusions:
- Established the direct neural circuitry connecting various brainstem and suprapontine regions to the preBötC.
- These findings provide a neuroanatomical basis for how volitional, emotional, and physiological states can directly modulate breathing rhythm.
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