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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
Alterations in brainstem respiratory centers following peripheral inflammation: A systematic review
Kateleen E Hedley1, Robert J Callister1, Robin Callister1
1School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Immune mediators upregulated in peripheral to central immune communication can modulate respiratory function by direct action on brainstem respiratory circuits. In this systematic review we consolidated findings from independent studies examining the relationship between peripheral and neuro- inflammation within brainstem respiratory centres. Microglia and astrocytes modulate brainstem neuroinflammation in response to peripheral immune mediators which then regulates neuronal activity and ultimately respiratory behaviours. Overall, respiratory brainstem nuclei showed increases in several key immune factors, and glia showed an increased response following peripheral inflammation. However, the functional impact of this neuroinflammation remains unclear.
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