Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
Biological and behavioral correlates of quiet sleep respiration rates in infants
H Montgomery-Downs1, E B Thoman
1Biobehavioral Sciences Graduate Degree Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269, USA.
The sleep and respiration of 88 infants were recorded for 24-h periods on the first 2 postnatal days and again at 6 months. The recordings were made with the Motility Monitoring System, which does not require instrumentation of the infants. Quiet sleep respiration rates (QSRR) increased over the first 2 days (mean = 42.2, SD = 1.0 and mean = 44.5, SD = 1.1, respectively), then decreased by 6 months (mean = 25.3, SD = 0.5); females showed lower QSRR on the first 2 days, infants delivered vaginally showed lower QSRR at 6 months; by 6 months QSRR was significantly higher during the day than at night; and significant individual differences across age and from day to nighttime were found at each age. Delivery mode, maternal age and education, and mental scores at 6 and 12 months were negatively related to QSRR at 6 months. Taken together, these data suggest a developmental advantage of slower QSRR and evidence for the role of the higher central nervous centers in the regulation of QSRR.
The sleep and respiration of 88 infants were recorded for 24-h periods on the first 2 postnatal days and again at 6 months. The recordings were made with the Motility Monitoring System, which does not require instrumentation of the infants. Quiet sleep respiration rates (QSRR) increased over the first 2 days (mean = 42.2, SD = 1.0 and mean = 44.5, SD = 1.1, respectively), then decreased by 6 months (mean = 25.3, SD = 0.5); females showed lower QSRR on the first 2 days, infants delivered vaginally showed lower QSRR at 6 months; by 6 months QSRR was significantly higher during the day than at night; and significant individual differences across age and from day to nighttime were found at each age. Delivery mode, maternal age and education, and mental scores at 6 and 12 months were negatively related to QSRR at 6 months. Taken together, these data suggest a developmental advantage of slower QSRR and evidence for the role of the higher central nervous centers in the regulation of QSRR.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Factors Affecting Respiration
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:26Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...