Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
A Method to Target and Isolate Airway-innervating Sensory Neurons in Mice
Published on: April 19, 2016
Glycinergic interneurons are functionally integrated into the inspiratory network of mouse medullary slices
Stefan M Winter1, Jens Fresemann, Christian Schnell
1Abt Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany.
Insights
Glycinergic neurons are key inhibitory components of the respiratory network. This study reveals they form a significant population of inspiratory neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex, crucial for breathing control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Inhibitory synaptic transmission is vital for respiratory network function.
- Glycinergic neurons play a critical role in neural circuit regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the integration and function of glycinergic neurons within the inspiratory pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC).
- To determine the proportion of glycinergic neurons participating in inspiratory activity.
Main Methods:
- Two-photon excitation microscopy for calcium imaging in a rhythmic slice preparation.
- Whole-cell recordings to confirm neuronal activity.
- Utilized BAC-transgenic mice expressing EGFP under the GlyT2 promoter.
Main Results:
- Identified inspiratory (96%) and expiratory (4%) neurons based on calcium dynamics.
- 50% of inspiratory neurons in the preBötC network were found to be glycinergic.
- Confirmed inspiratory bursting of glycinergic neurons and observed inhibitory interactions among them.
Conclusions:
- Glycinergic neurons constitute a substantial population of inspiratory neurons in the rhythmic slice preparation's preBötC.
- These findings highlight the significant role of glycinergic inhibition in respiratory rhythm generation.
Abstract:
Neuronal activity in the respiratory network is functionally dependent on inhibitory synaptic transmission. Using two-photon excitation microscopy, we analyzed the integration of glycinergic neurons in the isolated inspiratory pre-Bötzinger complex-driven network of the rhythmic slice preparation. Inspiratory (96%) and 'tonic' expiratory neurons (4%) were identified via an increase or decrease, respectively, of the cytosolic free calcium concentration during the inspiratory-related respiratory burst. Furthermore, in BAC-transgenic mice expressing EGFP under the control of the GlyT2-promoter, 50% of calcium-imaged inspiratory neurons were glycinergic. Inspiratory bursting of glycinergic neurons in the slice was confirmed by whole-cell recording. We also found glycinergic neurons that receive phasic inhibition from other glycinergic neurons. Our calcium imaging data show that glycinergic neurons comprise a large population of inspiratory neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex-driven network of the rhythmic slice preparation.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
01:18Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
01:21Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...