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Chang Z, Skach J, Kam K. Inhibitory Subpopulations in preBötzinger Complex Play Distinct Roles in Modulating Inspiratory Rhythm and Pattern. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1928232024. [PMID: 38729762 PMCID: PMC11209648 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1928-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory neurons embedded within mammalian neural circuits shape breathing, walking, and other rhythmic motor behaviors. At the core of the neural circuit controlling breathing is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), where GABAergic (GAD1/2+) and glycinergic (GlyT2+) neurons are functionally and anatomically intercalated among glutamatergic Dbx1-derived (Dbx1+) neurons that generate rhythmic inspiratory drive. The roles of these preBötC inhibitory neurons in breathing remain unclear. We first characterized the spatial distribution of molecularly defined preBötC inhibitory subpopulations in male and female neonatal double reporter mice expressing either tdTomato or EGFP in GlyT2+, GAD1+, or GAD2+ neurons. We found that the majority of preBötC inhibitory neurons expressed both GlyT2 and GAD2 while a much smaller subpopulation also expressed GAD1. To determine the functional role of these subpopulations, we used holographic photostimulation, a patterned illumination technique, in rhythmically active medullary slices from neonatal Dbx1tdTomato;GlyT2EGFP and Dbx1tdTomato;GAD1EGFP double reporter mice of either sex. Stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GlyT2+ neurons during endogenous rhythm prolonged the interburst interval in a phase-dependent manner and increased the latency to burst initiation when bursts were evoked by stimulation of Dbx1+ neurons. In contrast, stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GAD1+ neurons did not affect interburst interval or latency to burst initiation. Instead, photoactivation of GAD1+ neurons during the inspiratory burst prolonged endogenous and evoked burst duration and decreased evoked burst amplitude. We conclude that GlyT2+/GAD2+ neurons modulate breathing rhythm by delaying burst initiation while a smaller GAD1+ subpopulation shapes inspiratory patterning by altering burst duration and amplitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Chang
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| | - Jordan Skach
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
| | - Kaiwen Kam
- Stanson Toshok Center for Brain Function and Repair, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois 60064
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2
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Vafadari B, Oku Y, Tacke C, Harb A, Hülsmann S. In-vivo optogenetic identification and electrophysiology of glycinergic neurons in pre-Bötzinger complex of mice. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 320:104188. [PMID: 37939866 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Breathing requires distinct patterns of neuronal activity in the brainstem. The most critical part of the neuronal network responsible for respiratory rhythm generation is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), located in the ventrolateral medulla. This area contains both rhythmogenic glutamatergic neurons and also a high number of inhibitory neurons. Here, we aimed to analyze the activity of glycinergic neurons in the preBötC in anesthetized mice. To identify inhibitory neurons, we used a transgenic mouse line that allows expression of Channelrhodopsin 2 in glycinergic neurons. Using juxtacellular recordings and optogenetic activation via a single recording electrode, we were able to identify neurons as inhibitory and define their activity pattern in relation to the breathing rhythm. We could show that the activity pattern of glycinergic respiratory neurons in the preBötC was heterogeneous. Interestingly, only a minority of the identified glycinergic neurons showed a clear phase-locked activity pattern in every respiratory cycle. Taken together, we could show that neuron identification is possible by a combination of juxtacellular recordings and optogenetic activation via a single recording electrode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Vafadari
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- Division of Physiome, Department of Physiology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Charlotte Tacke
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ali Harb
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany.
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3
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Chang Z, Skach J, Kam K. Inhibitory subpopulations in preBötzinger Complex play distinct roles in modulating inspiratory rhythm and pattern. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.07.552303. [PMID: 37609332 PMCID: PMC10441369 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.07.552303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory neurons embedded within mammalian neural circuits shape breathing, walking, chewing, and other rhythmic motor behaviors. At the core of the neural circuit controlling breathing is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a nucleus in the ventrolateral medulla necessary for generation of inspiratory rhythm. In the preBötC, a recurrently connected network of glutamatergic Dbx1-derived (Dbx1 + ) neurons generates rhythmic inspiratory drive. Functionally and anatomically intercalated among Dbx1 + preBötC neurons are GABAergic (GAD1/2 + ) and glycinergic (GlyT2 + ) neurons, whose roles in breathing remain unclear. To elucidate the inhibitory microcircuits within preBötC, we first characterized the spatial distribution of molecularly-defined inhibitory preBötC subpopulations in double reporter mice expressing either the red fluorescent protein tdTomato or EGFP in GlyT2 + , GAD1 + , or GAD2 + neurons. We found that, in postnatal mice, the majority of inhibitory preBötC neurons expressed a combination of GlyT2 and GAD2 while a much smaller subpopulation also expressed GAD1. To determine the functional role of these subpopulations, we used holographic photostimulation, a patterned illumination technique with high spatiotemporal resolution, in rhythmically active medullary slices from neonatal Dbx1 tdTomato ;GlyT2 EGFP and Dbx1 tdTomato ;GAD1 EGFP double reporter mice. Stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GlyT2 + neurons during endogenous rhythm prolonged the interburst interval in a phase-dependent manner and increased the latency to burst initiation when bursts were evoked by stimulation of Dbx1 + neurons. In contrast, stimulation of 4 or 8 preBötC GAD1 + neurons did not affect interburst interval or latency to burst initiation. Instead, photoactivation of GAD1 + neurons during the inspiratory burst prolonged endogenous and evoked burst duration and decreased evoked burst amplitude. We conclude that the majority of preBötC inhibitory neurons express both GlyT2 and GAD2 and modulate breathing rhythm by delaying burst initiation while a smaller GAD1 + subpopulation shapes inspiratory patterning by altering burst duration and amplitude.
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4
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Oke Y, Miwakeichi F, Oku Y, Hirrlinger J, Hülsmann S. Cell types and synchronous-activity patterns of inspiratory neurons in the preBötzinger complex of mouse medullary slices during early postnatal development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:586. [PMID: 36631589 PMCID: PMC9834223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27893-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine whether and how the inspiratory neuronal network in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) develops during the early postnatal period, we quantified the composition of the population of inspiratory neurons between postnatal day 1 (p1) and p10 by applying calcium imaging to medullary transverse slices in double-transgenic mice expressing fluorescent marker proteins. We found that putative excitatory and glycinergic neurons formed a majority of the population of inspiratory neurons, and the composition rates of these two inspiratory neurons inverted at p5-6. We also found that the activity patterns of these two types of inspiratory neurons became significantly well-synchronized with the inspiratory rhythmic bursting pattern in the preBötC within the first postnatal week. GABAergic and GABA-glycine cotransmitting inspiratory neurons formed only a small population just after birth, which almost disappeared until p10. In conclusion, the inspiratory neuronal network in the preBötC matures at the level of both neuronal population and neuronal activities during early postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Oke
- Division of Physiome, Department of Physiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Fumikazu Miwakeichi
- grid.507381.80000 0001 1945 4756Department of Statistical Modeling, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, 10-3, Midori-cho, Tachikawa, 190-0014 Japan ,grid.275033.00000 0004 1763 208XDepartment of Statistical Science, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Shounan-Kokusai-Mura, Hayama-cho, Miura, 240-0193 Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- grid.272264.70000 0000 9142 153XDivision of Physiome, Department of Physiology, Hyogo Medical University, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501 Japan
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.516369.eDepartment of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Hermann-Rein-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center, Humboldtallee 23, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Breathing is a vital rhythmic motor behavior with a surprisingly broad influence on the brain and body. The apparent simplicity of breathing belies a complex neural control system, the breathing central pattern generator (bCPG), that exhibits diverse operational modes to regulate gas exchange and coordinate breathing with an array of behaviors. In this review, we focus on selected advances in our understanding of the bCPG. At the core of the bCPG is the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), which drives inspiratory rhythm via an unexpectedly sophisticated emergent mechanism. Synchronization dynamics underlying preBötC rhythmogenesis imbue the system with robustness and lability. These dynamics are modulated by inputs from throughout the brain and generate rhythmic, patterned activity that is widely distributed. The connectivity and an emerging literature support a link between breathing, emotion, and cognition that is becoming experimentally tractable. These advances bring great potential for elucidating function and dysfunction in breathing and other mammalian neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufyan Ashhad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Kaiwen Kam
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Jack L Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
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6
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Smith JC. Respiratory rhythm and pattern generation: Brainstem cellular and circuit mechanisms. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 188:1-35. [PMID: 35965022 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91534-2.00004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Breathing movements in mammals are driven by rhythmic neural activity automatically generated within spatially and functionally organized brainstem neural circuits comprising the respiratory central pattern generator (CPG). This chapter reviews up-to-date experimental information and theoretical studies of the cellular and circuit mechanisms of respiratory rhythm and pattern generation operating within critical components of this CPG in the lower brainstem. Over the past several decades, there have been substantial advances in delineating the spatial architecture of essential medullary regions and their regional cellular and circuit properties required to understand rhythm and pattern generation mechanisms. A fundamental concept is that the circuits in these regions have rhythm-generating capabilities at multiple cellular and circuit organization levels. The regional cellular properties, circuit organization, and control mechanisms allow flexible expression of neural activity patterns for a repertoire of respiratory behaviors under various physiologic conditions that are dictated by requirements for homeostatic regulation and behavioral integration. Many mechanistic insights have been provided by computational modeling studies driven by experimental results and have advanced understanding in the field. These conceptual and theoretical developments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Smith
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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7
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GABAergic Inhibition of Presynaptic Ca 2+ Transients in Respiratory PreBötzinger Neurons in Organotypic Slice Cultures. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0154-21.2021. [PMID: 34380658 PMCID: PMC8387147 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0154-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic somatodendritic inhibition in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), a medullary site for the generation of inspiratory rhythm, is involved in respiratory rhythmogenesis and patterning. Nevertheless, whether GABA acts distally on presynaptic terminals, evoking presynaptic inhibition is unknown. Here, we begin to address this problem by measuring presynaptic Ca2+ transients in preBötC neurons, under rhythmic and non-rhythmic conditions, with two variants of genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs). Organotypic slice cultures from newborn mice, containing the preBötC, were drop-transduced with jGCaMP7s, or injected with jGCaMP7f-labeling commissural preBötC neurons. Then, Ca2+ imaging combined with whole-cell patch-clamp or field stimulation was obtained from inspiratory preBötC neurons. We found that rhythmically active neurons expressed synchronized Ca2+ transients in soma, proximal and distal dendritic regions, and punctate synapse-like structures. Expansion microscopy revealed morphologic characteristics of bona fide synaptic boutons of the en passant and terminal type. Under non-rhythmic conditions, we found that bath application of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol, and local microiontophoresis of GABA, reduced action potential (AP)-evoked and field stimulus-evoked Ca2+ transients in presynaptic terminals in inspiratory neurons and commissural neurons projecting to the contralateral preBötC. In addition, under rhythmic conditions, network rhythmic activity was suppressed by muscimol, while the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline completely re-activated spontaneous activity. These observations demonstrate that the preBötC includes neurons that show GABAergic inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ transients, and presynaptic inhibition may play a role in the network activity that underlies breathing.
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Furuya WI, Dhingra RR, Trevizan-Baú P, McAllen RM, Dutschmann M. The role of glycinergic inhibition in respiratory pattern formation and cardio-respiratory coupling in rats. Curr Res Physiol 2021; 4:80-93. [PMID: 34746829 PMCID: PMC8562146 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardio-respiratory coupling is reflected as respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and inspiratory-related bursting of sympathetic nerve activity. Inspiratory-related inhibitory and/or postinspiratory-related excitatory drive of cardiac vagal motoneurons (CVMs) can generate RSA. Since respiratory oscillations may depend on synaptic inhibition, we investigated the effects of blocking glycinergic neurotransmission (systemic and local application of the glycine receptor (GlyR) antagonist, strychnine) on the expression of the respiratory motor pattern, RSA and sympatho-respiratory coupling. We recorded heart-rate, phrenic, recurrent laryngeal and thoracic sympathetic nerve activities (PNA, RLNA, t-SNA) in a working-heart-brainstem preparation of rats, and show that systemic strychnine (50–200 nM) abolished RSA and triggered a shift of postinspiratory RLNA into inspiration, while t-SNA remained unchanged. Bilateral strychnine microinjection into the ventrolateral medullary area containing CVMs and laryngeal motoneurons (LMNs) of the nucleus ambiguus (NA/CVLM), the nucleus tractus solitarii, pre-Bötzinger Complex, Bötzinger Complex or Kölliker-Fuse nuclei revealed that only NA/CVLM strychnine microinjections mimicked the effects of systemic application. In all other target nuclei, except the Bötzinger Complex, GlyR-blockade attenuated the inspiratory-tachycardia of the RSA to a similar degree while evoking only a modest change in respiratory motor patterning, without changing the timing of postinspiratory-RLNA, or t-SNA. Thus, glycinergic inhibition at the motoneuronal level is involved in the generation of RSA and the separation of inspiratory and postinspiratory bursting of LMNs. Within the distributed ponto-medullary respiratory pre-motor network, local glycinergic inhibition contribute to the modulation of RSA tachycardia, respiratory frequency and phase duration but, surprisingly it had no major role in the mediation of respiratory-sympathetic coupling. Glycinergic inhibition controls inspiratory tachycardia via inhibition of cardiac vagal motoneurons. Glycinergic inhibition controls the discharge pattern of expiratory laryngeal motoneurons. Glycinergic neurotransmission has no major role in pattern formation at the pre-motor level. Glycinergic inhibition has no role in sympatho-respiratory coupling.
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9
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Yang CF, Kim EJ, Callaway EM, Feldman JL. Monosynaptic Projections to Excitatory and Inhibitory preBötzinger Complex Neurons. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:58. [PMID: 33013329 PMCID: PMC7507425 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The key driver of breathing rhythm is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) whose activity is modulated by various functional inputs, e.g., volitional, physiological, and emotional. While the preBötC is highly interconnected with other regions of the breathing central pattern generator (bCPG) in the brainstem, there is no data about the direct projections to either excitatory and inhibitory preBötC subpopulations from other elements of the bCPG or from suprapontine regions. Using modified rabies tracing, we identified neurons throughout the brain that send monosynaptic projections to identified excitatory and inhibitory preBötC neurons in mice. Within the brainstem, neurons from sites in the bCPG, including the contralateral preBötC, Bötzinger Complex, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), parafacial region (pF L /pF V ), and parabrachial nuclei (PB), send direct projections to both excitatory and inhibitory preBötC neurons. Suprapontine inputs to the excitatory and inhibitory preBötC neurons include the superior colliculus, red nucleus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and cortex; these projections represent potential direct pathways for volitional, emotional, and physiological control of breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy F. Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Euiseok J. Kim
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Edward M. Callaway
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jack L. Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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10
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Menuet C, Connelly AA, Bassi JK, Melo MR, Le S, Kamar J, Kumar NN, McDougall SJ, McMullan S, Allen AM. PreBötzinger complex neurons drive respiratory modulation of blood pressure and heart rate. eLife 2020; 9:57288. [PMID: 32538785 PMCID: PMC7326498 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart rate and blood pressure oscillate in phase with respiratory activity. A component of these oscillations is generated centrally, with respiratory neurons entraining the activity of pre-sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiovascular neurons. Using a combination of optogenetic inhibition and excitation in vivo and in situ in rats, as well as neuronal tracing, we demonstrate that preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) neurons, which form the kernel for inspiratory rhythm generation, directly modulate cardiovascular activity. Specifically, inhibitory preBötC neurons modulate cardiac parasympathetic neuron activity whilst excitatory preBötC neurons modulate sympathetic vasomotor neuron activity, generating heart rate and blood pressure oscillations in phase with respiration. Our data reveal yet more functions entrained to the activity of the preBötC, with a role in generating cardiorespiratory oscillations. The findings have implications for cardiovascular pathologies, such as hypertension and heart failure, where respiratory entrainment of heart rate is diminished and respiratory entrainment of blood pressure exaggerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Menuet
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, INMED UMR1249, INSERM, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Angela A Connelly
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaspreet K Bassi
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mariana R Melo
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica Kamar
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha N Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDougall
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon McMullan
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew M Allen
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Ashhad S, Feldman JL. Emergent Elements of Inspiratory Rhythmogenesis: Network Synchronization and Synchrony Propagation. Neuron 2020; 106:482-497.e4. [PMID: 32130872 PMCID: PMC11221628 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the mechanism of mammalian breathing rhythmogenesis in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in vitro, where experimental tests remain inconsistent with hypotheses of canonical rhythmogenic cellular or synaptic mechanisms, i.e., pacemaker neurons or inhibition. Under rhythmic conditions, in each cycle, an inspiratory burst emerges as (presumptive) preBötC rhythmogenic neurons transition from aperiodic uncorrelated population spike activity to become increasingly synchronized during preinspiration (for ∼50-500 ms), which can trigger inspiratory bursts that propagate to motoneurons. In nonrhythmic conditions, antagonizing GABAA receptors can initiate this synchronization while inducing a higher conductance state in nonrhythmogenic preBötC output neurons. Our analyses uncover salient features of preBötC network dynamics where inspiratory bursts arise when and only when the preBötC rhythmogenic subpopulation strongly synchronizes to drive output neurons. Furthermore, downstream propagation of preBötC network activity, ultimately to motoneurons, is dependent on the strength of input synchrony onto preBötC output neurons exemplifying synchronous propagation of network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufyan Ashhad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951763, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA
| | - Jack L Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951763, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA.
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12
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Zheng F, Nixdorf-Bergweiler BE, Edelmann E, van Brederode JFM, Alzheimer C. Muscarinic Modulation of Morphologically Identified Glycinergic Neurons in the Mouse PreBötzinger Complex. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 13:562. [PMID: 31998077 PMCID: PMC6962194 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays an essential role in central respiratory control, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We used whole-cell recordings in brainstem slices from juvenile mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of the glycine transporter type 2 (GlyT2) promoter, to examine muscarinic modulation of morphologically identified glycinergic neurons in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), an area critical for central inspiratory rhythm generation. Biocytin-filled reconstruction of glycinergic neurons revealed that the majority of them had few primary dendrites and had axons arborized within their own dendritic field. Few glycinergic neurons had axon collaterals extended towards the premotor/motor areas or ran towards the contralateral preBötC, and had more primary dendrites and more compact dendritic trees. Spontaneously active glycinergic neurons fired regular spikes, or less frequently in a "burst-like" pattern at physiological potassium concentration. Muscarine suppressed firing in the majority of regular spiking neurons via M2 receptor activation while enhancing the remaining neurons through M1 receptors. Interestingly, rhythmic bursting was augmented by muscarine in a small group of glycinergic neurons. In contrast to its heterogeneous modulation of glycinergic neuronal excitability, muscarine generally depressed inhibitory and excitatory synaptic inputs onto both glycinergic and non-glycinergic preBötC neurons, with a stronger effect on inhibitory input. Notably, presynaptic muscarinic attenuation of excitatory synaptic input was dependent on M1 receptors in glycinergic neurons and on M2 receptors in non-glycinergic neurons. Additional field potential recordings of excitatory synaptic potentials in the M2 receptor knockout mice indicate that glycinergic and non-glycinergic neurons contribute equally to the general suppression by muscarine of excitatory activity in preBötC circuits. In conclusion, our data show that preBötC glycinergic neurons are morphologically heterogeneous, and differ in the properties of synaptic transmission and muscarinic modulation in comparison to non-glycinergic neurons. The dominant and cell-type-specific muscarinic inhibition of synaptic neurotransmission and spiking may contribute to central respiratory disturbances in high cholinergic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara E Nixdorf-Bergweiler
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elke Edelmann
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes F M van Brederode
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Baertsch NA, Ramirez JM. Insights into the dynamic control of breathing revealed through cell-type-specific responses to substance P. eLife 2019; 8:51350. [PMID: 31804180 PMCID: PMC6957314 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhythm generating network for breathing must continuously adjust to changing metabolic and behavioral demands. Here, we examined network-based mechanisms in the mouse preBötzinger complex using substance P, a potent excitatory modulator of breathing frequency and stability, as a tool to dissect network properties that underlie dynamic breathing. We find that substance P does not alter the balance of excitation and inhibition during breaths or the duration of the resulting refractory period. Instead, mechanisms of recurrent excitation between breaths are enhanced such that the rate that excitation percolates through the network is increased. We propose a conceptual framework in which three distinct phases of inspiration, the burst phase, refractory phase, and percolation phase, can be differentially modulated to control breathing dynamics and stability. Unraveling mechanisms that support this dynamic control may improve our understanding of nervous system disorders that destabilize breathing, many of which involve changes in brainstem neuromodulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Baertsch
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, United States
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14
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Ghali MGZ, Beshay S. Role of fast inhibitory synaptic transmission in neonatal respiratory rhythmogenesis and pattern formation. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 100:103400. [PMID: 31472222 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.103400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the general role of chloride-based neurotransmission (GABAA and glycinergic signaling) in respiratory rhythmogenesis and pattern formation. In several brain regions, developmental alterations in these signaling pathways have been shown to be mediated by changes in cation-chloride cotransporter (CC) expression. For instance, CC expression changes during the course of neonatal development in medullary respiratory nuclei and other brain/spinal cord regions in a manner which decreases the cellular import, and increases the export, of chloride ions, shifting reversal potentials for chloride to progressively more negative values with maturation. In slice preparations of the same, this is related to an excitatory-to-inhibitory shift of GABAA- and glycinergic signaling. In medullary slices, GABAA-/glycinergic signaling in the early neonatal period is excitatory, becoming inhibitory over time. Additionally, blockade of the Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter, which imports these ions via secondary active transport, converts excitatory response to inhibitory ones. These effects have not yet been demonstrated at the individual respiratory-related neuron level to occur in intact (in vivo or in situ) animal preparations, which in contrast to slices, possess normal network connectivity and natural sources of tonic drive. Developmental changes in respiratory rhythm generating and pattern forming pontomedullary respiratory circuitry may contribute to critical periods, during which there exist increased risk for perinatal respiratory disturbances of central, obstructive, or hypoxia/hypercapnia-induced origin, including the sudden infant death syndrome. Thus, better characterizing the neurochemical maturation of the central respiratory network will enhance our understanding of these conditions, which will facilitate development of targeted therapies for respiratory disturbances in neonates and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael George Zaki Ghali
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Beshay
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
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15
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Probing the function of glycinergic neurons in the mouse respiratory network using optogenetics. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2018; 265:141-152. [PMID: 30395936 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycine is a primary inhibitory transmitter in the ventral medullary respiratory network, but the functional role of glycinergic neurons for breathing remains a matter of debate. We applied optogenetics to selectively modulate glycinergic neuron activity within regions of the rostral ventral respiratory column (VRC). Responses of the phrenic nerve activity to the light-driven stimulation were studied in the working heart-brainstem preparation from adult glycine transporter 2 Cre mice (GlyT2-Cre), which received a unilateral injection of a Cre-dependent AAV virus into Bötzinger and preBötzinger Complex. Sustained light stimulation from the ventral medullary surface resulted in a substantial depression of the phrenic nerve (PN) frequency, which in most cases was compensated by an increase in PN amplitude. Periodic, burst stimulation with variable intervals could alter and reset respiratory rhythm. We conclude that unilateral activation of the rostral VRC glycinergic neurons can significantly affect respiratory pattern by lengthening the expiratory interval and modulating phase transition.
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16
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Oke Y, Miwakeichi F, Oku Y, Hirrlinger J, Hülsmann S. Cell Type-Dependent Activation Sequence During Rhythmic Bursting in the PreBötzinger Complex in Respiratory Rhythmic Slices From Mice. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1219. [PMID: 30233397 PMCID: PMC6129845 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous respiratory rhythmic burst activity can be preserved in the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) of rodent medullary transverse slices. It is known, that the activation sequence of inspiratory neurons in the preBötC stochastically varies from cycle to cycle. To test whether the activation timing of an inspiratory neuron depends on its neurotransmitter, we performed calcium imaging of preBötC neurons using double-transgenic mice expressing EGFP in GlyT2+ neurons and tdTomato in GAD65+ neurons. Five types of inspiratory neurons were identified using the fluorescence protein expression and the maximum cross-correlation coefficient between neuronal calcium fluctuation and field potential. Regarding the activation sequence, irregular type putative excitatory (GlyT2-/GAD65-) neurons and irregular type glycinergic (GlyT2+/GAD65-) neurons tended to be activated early, while regular type putative excitatory neurons, regular type glycinergic neurons tended to be activated later. In conclusion, the different cell types define a general framework for the stochastically changing activation sequence of inspiratory neurons in the preBötC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Oke
- Division of Physiome, Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Miwakeichi
- Department of Statistical Modeling, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tachikawa, Japan.,Department of Statistical Science, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- Division of Physiome, Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Carl-Ludwig-Institute for Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- Clinic for Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Research Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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17
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Dubois CJ, Cardoit L, Schwarz V, Markkanen M, Airaksinen MS, Uvarov P, Simmers J, Thoby-Brisson M. Role of the K +-Cl - Cotransporter KCC2a Isoform in Mammalian Respiration at Birth. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0264-18.2018. [PMID: 30406192 PMCID: PMC6220586 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0264-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In central respiratory circuitry, synaptic excitation is responsible for synchronizing neuronal activity in the different respiratory rhythm phases, whereas chloride-mediated inhibition is important for shaping the respiratory pattern itself. The potassium chloride cotransporter KCC2, which serves to maintain low intraneuronal Cl- concentration and thus render chloride-mediated synaptic signaling inhibitory, exists in two isoforms, KCC2a and KCC2b. KCC2 is essential for functional breathing motor control at birth, but the specific contribution of the KCC2a isoform remains unknown. Here, to address this issue, we investigated the respiratory phenotype of mice deficient for KCC2a. In vivo plethysmographic recordings revealed that KCC2a-deficient pups at P0 transiently express an abnormally low breathing rate and a high occurrence of apneas. Immunostainings confirmed that KCC2a is normally expressed in the brainstem neuronal groups involved in breathing (pre-Bötzinger complex, parafacial respiratory group, hypoglossus nucleus) and is absent in these regions in the KCC2a-/- mutant. However, in variously reduced in vitro medullary preparations, spontaneous rhythmic respiratory activity is similar to that expressed in wild-type preparations, as is hypoglossal motor output, and no respiratory pauses are detected, suggesting that the rhythm-generating networks are not intrinsically affected in mutants at P0. In contrast, inhibitory neuromodulatory influences exerted by the pons on respiratory rhythmogenesis are stronger in the mutant, thereby explaining the breathing anomalies observed in vivo. Thus, our results indicate that the KCC2a isoform is important for establishing proper breathing behavior at the time of birth, but by acting at sites that are extrinsic to the central respiratory networks themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe J. Dubois
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives D’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Laura Cardoit
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives D’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Veronika Schwarz
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives D’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Marika Markkanen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki Finland
| | - Matti S. Airaksinen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki Finland
| | - Pavel Uvarov
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki Finland
| | - John Simmers
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives D’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Muriel Thoby-Brisson
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives D’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux 33076, France
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18
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Thoby-Brisson M. Neural mechanisms for sigh generation during prenatal development. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1162-1172. [PMID: 29897860 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00314.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory network of the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), which controls inspiratory behavior, can in normal conditions simultaneously produce two types of inspiration-related rhythmic activities: the eupneic rhythm composed of monophasic, low-amplitude, and relatively high-frequency bursts, interspersed with sigh rhythmic activity, composed of biphasic, high-amplitude, and lower frequency bursts. By combining electrophysiological recordings from transverse brainstem slices with computational modeling, new advances in the mechanisms underlying sigh production have been obtained during prenatal development. The present review summarizes recent findings that establish when sigh rhythmogenesis starts to be produced during embryonic development as well as the cellular, membrane, and synaptic properties required for its expression. Together, the results demonstrate that although generated by the same network, the eupnea and sigh rhythms have different developmental onset times and rely on distinct network properties. Because sighs (also known as augmented breaths) are important in maintaining lung function (by reopening collapsed alveoli), gaining insight into their underlying neural mechanisms at early developmental stages is likely to help in the treatment of prematurely born babies often suffering from breathing deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Thoby-Brisson
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux , Bordeaux , France
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19
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Huckstepp RTR, Cardoza KP, Henderson LE, Feldman JL. Distinct parafacial regions in control of breathing in adult rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201485. [PMID: 30096151 PMCID: PMC6086409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, based on functional differences, we subdivided neurons juxtaposed to the facial nucleus into two distinct populations, the parafacial ventral and lateral regions, i.e., pFV and pFL. Little is known about the composition of these regions, i.e., are they homogenous or heterogeneous populations? Here, we manipulated their excitability in spontaneously breathing vagotomized urethane anesthetized adult rats to further characterize their role in breathing. In the pFL, disinhibition or excitation decreased breathing frequency (f) with a concomitant increase of tidal volume (VT), and induced active expiration; in contrast, reducing excitation had no effect. This result is congruent with pFL neurons constituting a conditional expiratory oscillator comprised of a functionally homogeneous set of excitatory neurons that are tonically suppressed at rest. In the pFV, disinhibition increased f with a presumptive reflexive decrease in VT; excitation increased f, VT and sigh rate; reducing excitation decreased VT with a presumptive reflexive increase in f. Therefore, the pFV, has multiple functional roles that require further parcellation. Interestingly, while hyperpolarization of the pFV reduces ongoing expiratory activity, no perturbation of pFV excitability induced active expiration. Thus, while the pFV can affect ongoing expiratory activity, presumably generated by the pFL, it does not appear capable of directly inducing active expiration. We conclude that the pFL contains neurons that can initiate, modulate, and sustain active expiration, whereas the pFV contains subpopulations of neurons that differentially affect various aspects of breathing pattern, including but not limited to modulation of ongoing expiratory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. R. Huckstepp
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn P. Cardoza
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Henderson
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jack L. Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Ramirez JM, Severs LJ, Ramirez SC, Agosto‐Marlin IM. Advances in cellular and integrative control of oxygen homeostasis within the central nervous system. J Physiol 2018; 596:3043-3065. [PMID: 29742297 PMCID: PMC6068258 DOI: 10.1113/jp275890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals must continuously regulate the levels of O2 and CO2 , which is particularly important for the brain. Failure to maintain adequate O2 /CO2 homeostasis has been associated with numerous disorders including sleep apnoea, Rett syndrome and sudden infant death syndrome. But, O2 /CO2 homeostasis poses major regulatory challenges, even in the healthy brain. Neuronal activities change in a differentiated, spatially and temporally complex manner, which is reflected in equally complex changes in O2 demand. This raises important questions: is oxygen sensing an emergent property, locally generated within all active neuronal networks, and/or the property of specialized O2 -sensitive CNS regions? Increasing evidence suggests that the regulation of the brain's redox state involves properties that are intrinsic to many networks, but that specialized regions in the brainstem orchestrate the integrated control of respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Although the levels of O2 in arterial blood and the CNS are very different, neuro-glial interactions and purinergic signalling are critical for both peripheral and CNS chemosensation. Indeed, the specificity of neuroglial interactions seems to determine the differential responses to O2 , CO2 and the changes in pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain ResearchSeattle Children's Research InstituteDepartment of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Liza J. Severs
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Sanja C. Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain ResearchSeattle Children's Research InstituteDepartment of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
| | - Ibis M. Agosto‐Marlin
- Center for Integrative Brain ResearchSeattle Children's Research InstituteDepartment of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
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21
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Abstract
Rhythmicity is a universal timing mechanism in the brain, and the rhythmogenic mechanisms are generally dynamic. This is illustrated for the neuronal control of breathing, a behavior that occurs as a one-, two-, or three-phase rhythm. Each breath is assembled stochastically, and increasing evidence suggests that each phase can be generated independently by a dedicated excitatory microcircuit. Within each microcircuit, rhythmicity emerges through three entangled mechanisms: ( a) glutamatergic transmission, which is amplified by ( b) intrinsic bursting and opposed by ( c) concurrent inhibition. This rhythmogenic triangle is dynamically tuned by neuromodulators and other network interactions. The ability of coupled oscillators to reconfigure and recombine may allow breathing to remain robust yet plastic enough to conform to nonventilatory behaviors such as vocalization, swallowing, and coughing. Lessons learned from the respiratory network may translate to other highly dynamic and integrated rhythmic systems, if approached one breath at a time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA;
| | - Nathan A Baertsch
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA;
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22
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Abstract
Breathing is a well-described, vital and surprisingly complex behaviour, with behavioural and physiological outputs that are easy to directly measure. Key neural elements for generating breathing pattern are distinct, compact and form a network amenable to detailed interrogation, promising the imminent discovery of molecular, cellular, synaptic and network mechanisms that give rise to the behaviour. Coupled oscillatory microcircuits make up the rhythmic core of the breathing network. Primary among these is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), which is composed of excitatory rhythmogenic interneurons and excitatory and inhibitory pattern-forming interneurons that together produce the essential periodic drive for inspiration. The preBötC coordinates all phases of the breathing cycle, coordinates breathing with orofacial behaviours and strongly influences, and is influenced by, emotion and cognition. Here, we review progress towards cracking the inner workings of this vital core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Del Negro
- Department of Applied Science, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Gregory D Funk
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Women's and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jack L Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Center for Health Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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23
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Vann NC, Pham FD, Dorst KE, Del Negro CA. Dbx1 Pre-Bötzinger Complex Interneurons Comprise the Core Inspiratory Oscillator for Breathing in Unanesthetized Adult Mice. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0130-18.2018. [PMID: 29845107 PMCID: PMC5971373 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0130-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The brainstem pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) generates inspiratory breathing rhythms, but which neurons comprise its rhythmogenic core? Dbx1-derived neurons may play the preeminent role in rhythm generation, an idea well founded at perinatal stages of development but incompletely evaluated in adulthood. We expressed archaerhodopsin or channelrhodopsin in Dbx1 preBötC neurons in intact adult mice to interrogate their function. Prolonged photoinhibition slowed down or stopped breathing, whereas prolonged photostimulation sped up breathing. Brief inspiratory-phase photoinhibition evoked the next breath earlier than expected, whereas brief expiratory-phase photoinhibition delayed the subsequent breath. Conversely, brief inspiratory-phase photostimulation increased inspiratory duration and delayed the subsequent breath, whereas brief expiratory-phase photostimulation evoked the next breath earlier than expected. Because they govern the frequency and precise timing of breaths in awake adult mice with sensorimotor feedback intact, Dbx1 preBötC neurons constitute an essential core component of the inspiratory oscillator, knowledge directly relevant to human health and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas C Vann
- Department of Applied Science, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185
| | - Francis D Pham
- Department of Applied Science, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185
| | - Kaitlyn E Dorst
- Department of Applied Science, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185
| | - Christopher A Del Negro
- Department of Applied Science, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185
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24
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Organization of the core respiratory network: Insights from optogenetic and modeling studies. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006148. [PMID: 29698394 PMCID: PMC5940240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The circuit organization within the mammalian brainstem respiratory network, specifically within and between the pre-Bötzinger (pre-BötC) and Bötzinger (BötC) complexes, and the roles of these circuits in respiratory pattern generation are continuously debated. We address these issues with a combination of optogenetic experiments and modeling studies. We used transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 under the VGAT-promoter to investigate perturbations of respiratory circuit activity by site-specific photostimulation of inhibitory neurons within the pre-BötC or BötC. The stimulation effects were dependent on the intensity and phase of the photostimulation. Specifically: (1) Low intensity (≤ 1.0 mW) pulses delivered to the pre-BötC during inspiration did not terminate activity, whereas stronger stimulations (≥ 2.0 mW) terminated inspiration. (2) When the pre-BötC stimulation ended in or was applied during expiration, rebound activation of inspiration occurred after a fixed latency. (3) Relatively weak sustained stimulation (20 Hz, 0.5-2.0 mW) of pre-BötC inhibitory neurons increased respiratory frequency, while a further increase of stimulus intensity (> 3.0 mW) reduced frequency and finally (≥ 5.0 mW) terminated respiratory oscillations. (4) Single pulses (0.2-5.0 s) applied to the BötC inhibited rhythmic activity for the duration of the stimulation. (5) Sustained stimulation (20 Hz, 0.5-3.0 mW) of the BötC reduced respiratory frequency and finally led to apnea. We have revised our computational model of pre-BötC and BötC microcircuits by incorporating an additional population of post-inspiratory inhibitory neurons in the pre-BötC that interacts with other neurons in the network. This model was able to reproduce the above experimental findings as well as previously published results of optogenetic activation of pre-BötC or BötC neurons obtained by other laboratories. The proposed organization of pre-BötC and BötC circuits leads to testable predictions about their specific roles in respiratory pattern generation and provides important insights into key circuit interactions operating within brainstem respiratory networks.
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25
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Baertsch NA, Baertsch HC, Ramirez JM. The interdependence of excitation and inhibition for the control of dynamic breathing rhythms. Nat Commun 2018; 9:843. [PMID: 29483589 PMCID: PMC5827754 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a medullary network critical for breathing, relies on excitatory interneurons to generate the inspiratory rhythm. Yet, half of preBötC neurons are inhibitory, and the role of inhibition in rhythmogenesis remains controversial. Using optogenetics and electrophysiology in vitro and in vivo, we demonstrate that the intrinsic excitability of excitatory neurons is reduced following large depolarizing inspiratory bursts. This refractory period limits the preBötC to very slow breathing frequencies. Inhibition integrated within the network is required to prevent overexcitation of preBötC neurons, thereby regulating the refractory period and allowing rapid breathing. In vivo, sensory feedback inhibition also regulates the refractory period, and in slowly breathing mice with sensory feedback removed, activity of inhibitory, but not excitatory, neurons restores breathing to physiological frequencies. We conclude that excitation and inhibition are interdependent for the breathing rhythm, because inhibition permits physiological preBötC bursting by controlling refractory properties of excitatory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Andrew Baertsch
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue JMB10, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Hans Christopher Baertsch
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue JMB10, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Jan Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 9th Avenue JMB10, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, 1900 9th Avenue, JMB10, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, 1900 9th Avenue, JMB10, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
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26
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Transient Receptor Potential Channels TRPM4 and TRPC3 Critically Contribute to Respiratory Motor Pattern Formation but not Rhythmogenesis in Rodent Brainstem Circuits. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0332-17. [PMID: 29435486 PMCID: PMC5806591 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0332-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential channel, TRPM4, the putative molecular substrate for Ca2+-activated nonselective cation current (ICAN), is hypothesized to generate bursting activity of pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) inspiratory neurons and critically contribute to respiratory rhythmogenesis. Another TRP channel, TRPC3, which mediates Na+/Ca2+ fluxes, may be involved in regulating Ca2+-related signaling, including affecting TRPM4/ICAN in respiratory pre-BötC neurons. However, TRPM4 and TRPC3 expression in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons and functional roles of these channels remain to be determined. By single-cell multiplex RT-PCR, we show mRNA expression for these channels in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons in rhythmically active medullary in vitro slices from neonatal rats and mice. Functional contributions were analyzed with pharmacological inhibitors of TRPM4 or TRPC3 in vitro as well as in mature rodent arterially perfused in situ brainstem-spinal cord preparations. Perturbations of respiratory circuit activity were also compared with those by a blocker of ICAN. Pharmacologically attenuating endogenous activation of TRPM4, TRPC3, or ICANin vitro similarly reduced the amplitude of inspiratory motoneuronal activity without significant perturbations of inspiratory frequency or variability of the rhythm. Amplitude perturbations were correlated with reduced inspiratory glutamatergic pre-BötC neuronal activity, monitored by multicellular dynamic calcium imaging in vitro. In more intact circuits in situ, the reduction of pre-BötC and motoneuronal inspiratory activity amplitude was accompanied by reduced post-inspiratory motoneuronal activity, without disruption of rhythm generation. We conclude that endogenously activated TRPM4, which likely mediates ICAN, and TRPC3 channels in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons play fundamental roles in respiratory pattern formation but are not critically involved in respiratory rhythm generation.
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27
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Stojanovska V, Miller SL, Hooper SB, Polglase GR. The Consequences of Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis on Brainstem Respiratory Centers: Implications for Neurochemical Development and Altered Functions by Inflammation and Prostaglandins. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:26. [PMID: 29449803 PMCID: PMC5799271 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause for neonatal morbidity and mortality, and is frequently associated with adverse neurological outcomes. The transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life at birth is particularly challenging for preterm infants. The main physiological driver for extrauterine transition is the establishment of spontaneous breathing. However, preterm infants have difficulty clearing lung liquid, have insufficient surfactant levels, and underdeveloped lungs. Further, preterm infants have an underdeveloped brainstem, resulting in reduced respiratory drive. These factors facilitate the increased requirement for respiratory support. A principal cause of preterm birth is intrauterine infection/inflammation (chorioamnionitis), and infants with chorioamnionitis have an increased risk and severity of neurological damage, but also demonstrate impaired autoresuscitation capacity and prevalent apnoeic episodes. The brainstem contains vital respiratory centers which provide the neural drive for breathing, but the impact of preterm birth and/or chorioamnionitis on this brain region is not well understood. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the role and function of the brainstem respiratory centers, and to highlight the proposed mechanisms of how preterm birth and chorioamnionitis may affect central respiratory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Stojanovska
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart B Hooper
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Phasic inhibition as a mechanism for generation of rapid respiratory rhythms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:12815-12820. [PMID: 29133427 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1711536114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Central neural networks operate continuously throughout life to control respiration, yet mechanisms regulating ventilatory frequency are poorly understood. Inspiration is generated by the pre-Bötzinger complex of the ventrolateral medulla, where it is thought that excitation increases inspiratory frequency and inhibition causes apnea. To test this model, we used an in vitro optogenetic approach to stimulate select populations of hindbrain neurons and characterize how they modulate frequency. Unexpectedly, we found that inhibition was required for increases in frequency caused by stimulation of Phox2b-lineage, putative CO2-chemosensitive neurons. As a mechanistic explanation for inhibition-dependent increases in frequency, we found that phasic stimulation of inhibitory neurons can increase inspiratory frequency via postinhibitory rebound. We present evidence that Phox2b-mediated increases in frequency are caused by rebound excitation following an inhibitory synaptic volley relayed by expiration. Thus, although it is widely thought that inhibition between inspiration and expiration simply prevents activity in the antagonistic phase, we instead propose a model whereby inhibitory coupling via postinhibitory rebound excitation actually generates fast modes of inspiration.
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Harris KD, Dashevskiy T, Mendoza J, Garcia AJ, Ramirez JM, Shea-Brown E. Different roles for inhibition in the rhythm-generating respiratory network. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:2070-2088. [PMID: 28615332 PMCID: PMC5626906 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00174.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the interplay of excitation and inhibition within rhythm-generating networks remains a fundamental issue in neuroscience. We use a biophysical model to investigate the different roles of local and long-range inhibition in the respiratory network, a key component of which is the pre-Bötzinger complex inspiratory microcircuit. Increasing inhibition within the microcircuit results in a limited number of out-of-phase neurons before rhythmicity and synchrony degenerate. Thus unstructured local inhibition is destabilizing and cannot support the generation of more than one rhythm. A two-phase rhythm requires restructuring the network into two microcircuits coupled by long-range inhibition in the manner of a half-center. In this context, inhibition leads to greater stability of the two out-of-phase rhythms. We support our computational results with in vitro recordings from mouse pre-Bötzinger complex. Partial excitation block leads to increased rhythmic variability, but this recovers after blockade of inhibition. Our results support the idea that local inhibition in the pre-Bötzinger complex is present to allow for descending control of synchrony or robustness to adverse conditions like hypoxia. We conclude that the balance of inhibition and excitation determines the stability of rhythmogenesis, but with opposite roles within and between areas. These different inhibitory roles may apply to a variety of rhythmic behaviors that emerge in widespread pattern-generating circuits of the nervous system.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The roles of inhibition within the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) are a matter of debate. Using a combination of modeling and experiment, we demonstrate that inhibition affects synchrony, period variability, and overall frequency of the preBötC and coupled rhythmogenic networks. This work expands our understanding of ubiquitous motor and cognitive oscillatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana Dashevskiy
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joshua Mendoza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alfredo J Garcia
- Institute for Integrative Physiology and Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; and
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eric Shea-Brown
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Abstract
Breathing is vital for survival but also interesting from the perspective of rhythm generation. This rhythmic behavior is generated within the brainstem and is thought to emerge through the interaction between independent oscillatory neuronal networks. In mammals, breathing is composed of three phases - inspiration, post-inspiration, and active expiration - and this article discusses the concept that each phase is generated by anatomically distinct rhythm-generating networks: the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), the post-inspiratory complex (PiCo), and the lateral parafacial nucleus (pF L), respectively. The preBötC was first discovered 25 years ago and was shown to be both necessary and sufficient for the generation of inspiration. More recently, networks have been described that are responsible for post-inspiration and active expiration. Here, we attempt to collate the current knowledge and hypotheses regarding how respiratory rhythms are generated, the role that inhibition plays, and the interactions between the medullary networks. Our considerations may have implications for rhythm generation in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M. Anderson
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Respiratory Rhythm Generation: The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1015:147-161. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62817-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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32
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Beltrán-Castillo S, Morgado-Valle C, Eugenín J. The Onset of the Fetal Respiratory Rhythm: An Emergent Property Triggered by Chemosensory Drive? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1015:163-192. [PMID: 29080027 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62817-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms responsible for the onset of respiratory activity during fetal life are unknown. The onset of respiratory rhythm may be a consequence of the genetic program of each of the constituents of the respiratory network, so they start to interact and generate respiratory cycles when reaching a certain degree of maturation. Alternatively, generation of cycles might require the contribution of recently formed sensory inputs that will trigger oscillatory activity in the nascent respiratory neural network. If this hypothesis is true, then sensory input to the respiratory generator must be already formed and become functional before the onset of fetal respiration. In this review, we evaluate the timing of the onset of the respiratory rhythm in comparison to the appearance of receptors, neurotransmitter machinery, and afferent projections provided by two central chemoreceptive nuclei, the raphe and locus coeruleus nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Beltrán-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, PO 9170022, Santiago, Chile
| | - Consuelo Morgado-Valle
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Campus Xalapa, Berlin 7, Fracc., Monte Magno Animas, C.P. 91190, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
| | - Jaime Eugenín
- Laboratorio de Sistemas Neurales, Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, PO 9170022, Santiago, Chile.
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Kanjhan R, Fogarty MJ, Noakes PG, Bellingham MC. Developmental changes in the morphology of mouse hypoglossal motor neurons. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 221:3755-86. [PMID: 26476929 PMCID: PMC5009180 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypoglossal motor neurons (XII MNs) innervate tongue muscles important in breathing, suckling and vocalization. Morphological properties of 103 XII MNs were studied using Neurobiotin™ filling in transverse brainstem slices from C57/Bl6 mice (n = 34) from embryonic day (E) 17 to postnatal day (P) 28. XII MNs from areas thought to innervate different tongue muscles showed similar morphology in most, but not all, features. Morphological properties of XII MNs were established prior to birth, not differing between E17-18 and P0. MN somatic volume gradually increased for the first 2 weeks post-birth. The complexity of dendritic branching and dendrite length of XII MNs increased throughout development (E17-P28). MNs in the ventromedial XII motor nucleus, likely to innervate the genioglossus, frequently (42 %) had dendrites crossing to the contralateral side at all ages, but their number declined with postnatal development. Unexpectedly, putative dendritic spines were found in all XII MNs at all ages, and were primarily localized to XII MN somata and primary dendrites at E18-P4, increased in distal dendrites by P5-P8, and were later predominantly found in distal dendrites. Dye-coupling between XII MNs was common from E18 to P7, but declined strongly with maturation after P7. Axon collaterals were found in 20 % (6 of 28) of XII MNs with filled axons; collaterals terminated widely outside and, in one case, within the XII motor nucleus. These results reveal new morphological features of mouse XII MNs, and suggest that dendritic projection patterns, spine density and distribution, and dye-coupling patterns show specific developmental changes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refik Kanjhan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew J Fogarty
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter G Noakes
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark C Bellingham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Microcircuits in respiratory rhythm generation: commonalities with other rhythm generating networks and evolutionary perspectives. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2016; 41:53-61. [PMID: 27589601 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rhythmicity is critical for the generation of rhythmic behaviors and higher brain functions. This review discusses common mechanisms of rhythm generation, including the role of synaptic inhibition and excitation, with a focus on the mammalian respiratory network. This network generates three phases of breathing and is highly integrated with brain regions associated with numerous non-ventilatory behaviors. We hypothesize that during evolution multiple rhythmogenic microcircuits were recruited to accommodate the generation of each breathing phase. While these microcircuits relied primarily on excitatory mechanisms, synaptic inhibition became increasingly important to coordinate the different microcircuits and to integrate breathing into a rich behavioral repertoire that links breathing to sensory processing, arousal, and emotions as well as learning and memory.
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35
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Ikeda K, Kawakami K, Onimaru H, Okada Y, Yokota S, Koshiya N, Oku Y, Iizuka M, Koizumi H. The respiratory control mechanisms in the brainstem and spinal cord: integrative views of the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. J Physiol Sci 2016; 67:45-62. [PMID: 27535569 PMCID: PMC5368202 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-016-0475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory activities are produced by medullary respiratory rhythm generators and are modulated from various sites in the lower brainstem, and which are then output as motor activities through premotor efferent networks in the brainstem and spinal cord. Over the past few decades, new knowledge has been accumulated on the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of respiratory rhythm. In this review, we focus on the recent findings and attempt to elucidate the anatomical and functional mechanisms underlying respiratory control in the lower brainstem and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Ikeda
- Division of Biology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Kawakami
- Division of Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Onimaru
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Yasumasa Okada
- Clinical Research Center, Murayama Medical Center, Musashimurayama, Tokyo, 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Shigefumi Yokota
- Department of Anatomy and Morphological Neuroscience, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Naohiro Koshiya
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Makito Iizuka
- Department of Physiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan.
| | - Hidehiko Koizumi
- Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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36
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Huckstepp RT, Henderson LE, Cardoza KP, Feldman JL. Interactions between respiratory oscillators in adult rats. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27300271 PMCID: PMC4907693 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Breathing in mammals is hypothesized to result from the interaction of two distinct oscillators: the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) driving inspiration and the lateral parafacial region (pFL) driving active expiration. To understand the interactions between these oscillators, we independently altered their excitability in spontaneously breathing vagotomized urethane-anesthetized adult rats. Hyperpolarizing preBötC neurons decreased inspiratory activity and initiated active expiration, ultimately progressing to apnea, i.e., cessation of both inspiration and active expiration. Depolarizing pFL neurons produced active expiration at rest, but not when inspiratory activity was suppressed by hyperpolarizing preBötC neurons. We conclude that in anesthetized adult rats active expiration is driven by the pFL but requires an additional form of network excitation, i.e., ongoing rhythmic preBötC activity sufficient to drive inspiratory motor output or increased chemosensory drive. The organization of this coupled oscillator system, which is essential for life, may have implications for other neural networks that contain multiple rhythm/pattern generators. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14203.001 Mammals breathe air into and out of their lungs to absorb oxygen into the body and to remove carbon dioxide. The rhythm of breathing is most likely controlled by two groups of neurons in a part of the brain called the brain stem. One group called the preBötzinger Complex drives breathing in (inspiration), and normally, breathing out (expiration) occurs when the muscles responsible for inspiration relax. The other group of neurons – known as the lateral parafacial region – controls extra muscles that allow us to increase our breathing when we need to, such as during exercise. Huckstepp et al. set out to determine how these two groups of neurons interact with one another in anesthetized rats to produce a reliable and efficient pattern of breathing. The experiments provide further evidence that inspiration is mainly driven by the preBötzinger Complex. Whilst activity from the lateral parafacial region is needed to cause the rats to breathe out more forcefully than normal, a second low level of activity from another source is also required. This source could either be the preBötzinger Complex, or some unknown neurons that change their activity in response to the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood or fluid of the brain. Further investigation is required to identify how these interactions go awry in diseases that affect breathing, such as sleep apneas. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.14203.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Tr Huckstepp
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Lauren E Henderson
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Kathryn P Cardoza
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Jack L Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
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37
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Voltage-Dependent Rhythmogenic Property of Respiratory Pre-Bötzinger Complex Glutamatergic, Dbx1-Derived, and Somatostatin-Expressing Neuron Populations Revealed by Graded Optogenetic Inhibition. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0081-16. [PMID: 27275007 PMCID: PMC4891766 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0081-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhythm of breathing in mammals, originating within the brainstem pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC), is presumed to be generated by glutamatergic neurons, but this has not been directly demonstrated. Additionally, developmental expression of the transcription factor Dbx1 or expression of the neuropeptide somatostatin (Sst), has been proposed as a marker for the rhythmogenic pre-BötC glutamatergic neurons, but it is unknown whether these other two phenotypically defined neuronal populations are functionally equivalent to glutamatergic neurons with regard to rhythm generation. To address these problems, we comparatively investigated, by optogenetic approaches, the roles of pre-BötC glutamatergic, Dbx1-derived, and Sst-expressing neurons in respiratory rhythm generation in neonatal transgenic mouse medullary slices in vitro and also more intact adult perfused brainstem-spinal cord preparations in situ. We established three different triple-transgenic mouse lines with Cre-driven Archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch) expression selectively in glutamatergic, Dbx1-derived, or Sst-expressing neurons for targeted photoinhibition. In each line, we identified subpopulations of rhythmically active, Arch-expressing pre-BötC inspiratory neurons by whole-cell recordings in medullary slice preparations in vitro, and established that Arch-mediated hyperpolarization of these inspiratory neurons was laser power dependent with equal efficacy. By site- and population-specific graded photoinhibition, we then demonstrated that inspiratory frequency was reduced by each population with the same neuronal voltage-dependent frequency control mechanism in each state of the respiratory network examined. We infer that enough of the rhythmogenic pre-BötC glutamatergic neurons also have the Dbx1 and Sst expression phenotypes, and thus all three phenotypes share the same voltage-dependent frequency control property.
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Perturbations of Respiratory Rhythm and Pattern by Disrupting Synaptic Inhibition within Pre-Bötzinger and Bötzinger Complexes. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0011-16. [PMID: 27200412 PMCID: PMC4867025 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0011-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pre-Bötzinger (pre-BötC) and Bötzinger (BötC) complexes are the brainstem compartments containing interneurons considered to be critically involved in generating respiratory rhythm and motor pattern in mammals. The pre-Bötzinger (pre-BötC) and Bötzinger (BötC) complexes are the brainstem compartments containing interneurons considered to be critically involved in generating respiratory rhythm and motor pattern in mammals. Current models postulate that both generation of the rhythm and coordination of the inspiratory-expiratory pattern involve inhibitory synaptic interactions within and between these regions. Both regions contain glycinergic and GABAergic neurons, and rhythmically active neurons in these regions receive appropriately coordinated phasic inhibition necessary for generation of the normal three-phase respiratory pattern. However, recent experiments attempting to disrupt glycinergic and GABAergic postsynaptic inhibition in the pre-BötC and BötC in adult rats in vivo have questioned the critical role of synaptic inhibition in these regions, as well as the importance of the BötC, which contradicts previous physiological and pharmacological studies. To further evaluate the roles of synaptic inhibition and the BötC, we bilaterally microinjected the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine and glycinergic receptor antagonist strychnine into the pre-BötC or BötC in anesthetized adult rats in vivo and in perfused in situ brainstem–spinal cord preparations from juvenile rats. Muscimol was microinjected to suppress neuronal activity in the pre-BötC or BötC. In both preparations, disrupting inhibition within pre-BötC or BötC caused major site-specific perturbations of the rhythm and disrupted the three-phase motor pattern, in some experiments terminating rhythmic motor output. Suppressing BötC activity also potently disturbed the rhythm and motor pattern. We conclude that inhibitory circuit interactions within and between the pre-BötC and BötC critically regulate rhythmogenesis and are required for normal respiratory motor pattern generation.
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Lal A, Oku Y, Someya H, Miwakeichi F, Tamura Y. Emergent Network Topology within the Respiratory Rhythm-Generating Kernel Evolved In Silico. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154049. [PMID: 27152967 PMCID: PMC4859517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesize that the network topology within the pre-Bötzinger Complex (preBötC), the mammalian respiratory rhythm generating kernel, is not random, but is optimized in the course of ontogeny/phylogeny so that the network produces respiratory rhythm efficiently and robustly. In the present study, we attempted to identify topology of synaptic connections among constituent neurons of the preBötC based on this hypothesis. To do this, we first developed an effective evolutionary algorithm for optimizing network topology of a neuronal network to exhibit a ‘desired characteristic’. Using this evolutionary algorithm, we iteratively evolved an in silico preBötC ‘model’ network with initial random connectivity to a network exhibiting optimized synchronous population bursts. The evolved ‘idealized’ network was then analyzed to gain insight into: (1) optimal network connectivity among different kinds of neurons—excitatory as well as inhibitory pacemakers, non-pacemakers and tonic neurons—within the preBötC, and (2) possible functional roles of inhibitory neurons within the preBötC in rhythm generation. Obtained results indicate that (1) synaptic distribution within excitatory subnetwork of the evolved model network illustrates skewed/heavy-tailed degree distribution, and (2) inhibitory subnetwork influences excitatory subnetwork primarily through non-tonic pacemaker inhibitory neurons. Further, since small-world (SW) network is generally associated with network synchronization phenomena and is suggested as a possible network structure within the preBötC, we compared the performance of SW network with that of the evolved model network. Results show that evolved network is better than SW network at exhibiting synchronous bursts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Lal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 P. R. China
| | - Yoshitaka Oku
- Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, 663-8501 Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Hiroshi Someya
- School of Information Science and Technology, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, 259-1292 Japan
| | - Fumikazu Miwakeichi
- Department of Statistical Modeling, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tachikawa, 190-8562 Japan
- Department of Statistical Science, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Tachikawa, 190-8562, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Tamura
- Department of Statistical Modeling, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Tachikawa, 190-8562 Japan
- Department of Statistical Science, School of Multidisciplinary Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Tachikawa, 190-8562, Japan
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40
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Carrascal L, Nieto-González J, Pardillo-Díaz R, Pásaro R, Barrionuevo G, Torres B, Cameron WE, Núñez-Abades P. Time windows for postnatal changes in morphology and membrane excitability of genioglossal and oculomotor motoneurons. World J Neurol 2015; 5:113-131. [DOI: 10.5316/wjn.v5.i4.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Time windows for postnatal changes in morphology and membrane excitability of genioglossal (GG) and oculomotor (OCM) motoneurons (MNs) are yet to be fully described. Analysis of data on brain slices in vitro of the 2 populations of MNs point to a well-defined developmental program that progresses with common age-related changes characterized by: (1) increase of dendritic surface along with length and reshaping of dendritic tree complexity; (2) disappearance of gap junctions early in development; (3) decrease of membrane passive properties, such as input resistance and time constant, together with an increase in the number of cells displaying sag, and modifications in rheobase; (4) action potential shortening and afterhyperpolarization; and (5) an increase in gain and maximum firing frequency. These modifications take place at different time windows for each motoneuronal population. In GG MNs, active membrane properties change mainly during the first postnatal week, passive membrane properties in the second week, and dendritic increasing length and size in the third week of development. In OCM MNs, changes in passive membrane properties and growth of dendritic size take place during the first postnatal week, while active membrane properties and rheobase change during the second and third weeks of development. The sequential order of changes is inverted between active and passive membrane properties, and growth in size does not temporally coincide for both motoneuron populations. These findings are discussed on the basis of environmental cues related to maturation of the respiratory and OCM systems.
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Feldman JL, Kam K. Facing the challenge of mammalian neural microcircuits: taking a few breaths may help. J Physiol 2015; 593:3-23. [PMID: 25556783 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.277632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathing in mammals is a seemingly straightforward behaviour controlled by the brain. A brainstem nucleus called the preBötzinger Complex sits at the core of the neural circuit generating respiratory rhythm. Despite the discovery of this microcircuit almost 25 years ago, the mechanisms controlling breathing remain elusive. Given the apparent simplicity and well-defined nature of regulatory breathing behaviour, the identification of much of the circuitry, and the ability to study breathing in vitro as well as in vivo, many neuroscientists and physiologists are surprised that respiratory rhythm generation is still not well understood. Our view is that conventional rhythmogenic mechanisms involving pacemakers, inhibition or bursting are problematic and that simplifying assumptions commonly made for many vertebrate neural circuits ignore consequential detail. We propose that novel emergent mechanisms govern the generation of respiratory rhythm. That a mammalian function as basic as rhythm generation arises from complex and dynamic molecular, synaptic and neuronal interactions within a diverse neural microcircuit highlights the challenges in understanding neural control of mammalian behaviours, many (considerably) more elaborate than breathing. We suggest that the neural circuit controlling breathing is inimitably tractable and may inspire general strategies for elucidating other neural microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L Feldman
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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42
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Sugiyama Y, Shiba K, Mukudai S, Umezaki T, Sakaguchi H, Hisa Y. Role of the retrotrapezoid nucleus/parafacial respiratory group in coughing and swallowing in guinea pigs. J Neurophysiol 2015. [PMID: 26203106 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00332.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The retrotrapezoid/parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG) located ventral to the facial nucleus plays a key role in regulating breathing, especially enhanced expiratory activity during hypercapnic conditions. To clarify the roles of the RTN/pFRG region in evoking coughing, during which reflexive enhanced expiration is produced, and in swallowing, during which the expiratory activity is consistently halted, we recorded extracellular activity from RTN/pFRG neurons during these fictive behaviors in decerebrate, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated guinea pigs. The activity of the majority of recorded respiratory neurons was changed in synchrony with coughing and swallowing. To further evaluate the contribution of RTN/pFRG neurons to these nonrespiratory behaviors, the motor output patterns during breathing, coughing, and swallowing were compared before and after brain stem transection at the caudal margin of RTN/pFRG region. In addition, the effects of transection at its rostral margin were also investigated to evaluate pontine contribution to these behaviors. During respiration, transection at the rostral margin attenuated the postinspiratory activity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Meanwhile, the late expiratory activity of the abdominal nerve was abolished after caudal transection. The caudal transection also decreased the amplitude of the coughing-related abdominal nerve discharge but did not abolish the activity. Swallowing could be elicited even after the caudal end transection. These findings raise the prospect that the RTN/pFRG contributes to expiratory regulation during normal respiration, although this region is not an essential element of the neuronal networks involved in coughing and swallowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichiro Sugiyama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Keisuke Shiba
- Hikifune Otolaryngology Clinic, Sumida, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Mukudai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan; and
| | - Toshiro Umezaki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sakaguchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Hisa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Alsahafi Z, Dickson CT, Pagliardini S. Optogenetic excitation of preBötzinger complex neurons potently drives inspiratory activity in vivo. J Physiol 2015; 593:3673-92. [PMID: 26010654 DOI: 10.1113/jp270471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS This study investigates the effects on ventilation of an excitatory stimulus delivered in a spatially and temporally precise manner to the inspiratory oscillator, the preBötzinger complex (preBötC). We used an adeno-associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin driven by the synapsin promoter to target the region of the preBötC. Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC increased respiratory rate, minute ventilation and increased inspiratory modulated genioglossus muscle activity. Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC consistently entrained respiratory rate up to 180 breaths min(-1) both in presence of ongoing respiratory activity and in absence of inspiratory activity. Unilateral optogenetic stimulation of preBötC induced a strong phase-independent Type 0 respiratory reset, with a short delay in the response of 100 ms. We identified a refractory period of ∼200 ms where unilateral preBötC optogenetic stimulation is not able to initiate the next respiratory event. ABSTRACT Understanding the sites and mechanisms underlying respiratory rhythmogenesis is of fundamental interest in the field of respiratory neurophysiology. Previous studies demonstrated the necessary and sufficient role of preBötzinger complex (preBötC) in generating inspiratory rhythms in vitro and in vivo. However, the influence of timed activation of the preBötC network in vivo is as yet unknown given the experimental approaches previously used. By unilaterally infecting preBötC neurons using an adeno-associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin we photo-activated the network in order to assess how excitation delivered in a spatially and temporally precise manner to the inspiratory oscillator influences ongoing breathing rhythms and related muscular activity in urethane-anaesthetized rats. We hypothesized that if an excitatory drive is necessary for rhythmogenesis and burst initiation, photo-activation of preBötC not only will increase respiratory rate, but also entrain it over a wide range of frequencies with fast onset, and have little effect on ongoing respiratory rhythm if a stimulus is delivered during inspiration. Stimulation of preBötC neurons consistently increased respiratory rate and entrained respiration up to fourfold baseline conditions. Furthermore, brief pulses of photostimulation delivered at random phases between inspiratory events robustly and consistently induced phase-independent (Type 0) respiratory reset and recruited inspiratory muscle activity at very short delays (∼100 ms). A 200 ms refractory period following inspiration was also identified. These data provide strong evidence for a fine control of inspiratory activity in the preBötC and provide further evidence that the preBötC network constitutes the fundamental oscillator of inspiratory rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki Alsahafi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Clayton T Dickson
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Silvia Pagliardini
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Stochastic activation among inspiratory cells in the pre-Bötzinger complex of the rat medulla revealed by Ca2+ imaging. Neurosci Lett 2015; 595:12-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Sigh and Eupnea Rhythmogenesis Involve Distinct Interconnected Subpopulations: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study. eNeuro 2015; 2:eN-NWR-0074-14. [PMID: 26464980 PMCID: PMC4596094 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0074-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
How a single neural network can generate several rhythmic activities at different time scales remains an open question. Here, in addition to the already described reconfiguring process, we propose a new mechanism by which the respiratory network can generate simultaneously two distinct inspiration-related activities (eupnea and sigh) at different frequencies. Neural networks control complex motor outputs by generating several rhythmic neuronal activities, often with different time scales. One example of such a network is the pre-Bötzinger complex respiratory network (preBötC) that can simultaneously generate fast, small-amplitude, monophasic eupneic breaths together with slow, high-amplitude, biphasic augmented breaths (sighs). However, the underlying rhythmogenic mechanisms for this bimodal discharge pattern remain unclear, leaving two possible explanations: the existence of either reconfiguring processes within the same network or two distinct subnetworks. Based on recent in vitro data obtained in the mouse embryo, we have built a computational model consisting of two compartments, interconnected through appropriate synapses. One compartment generates sighs and the other produces eupneic bursts. The model reproduces basic features of simultaneous sigh and eupnea generation (two types of bursts differing in terms of shape, amplitude, and frequency of occurrence) and mimics the effect of blocking glycinergic synapses. Furthermore, we used this model to make predictions that were subsequently tested on the isolated preBötC in mouse brainstem slice preparations. Through a combination of in vitro and in silico approaches we find that (1) sigh events are less sensitive to network excitability than eupneic activity, (2) calcium-dependent mechanisms and the Ih current play a prominent role in sigh generation, and (3) specific parameters of Ih activation set the low sensitivity to excitability in the sigh neuronal subset. Altogether, our results strongly support the hypothesis that distinct subpopulations within the preBötC network are responsible for sigh and eupnea rhythmogenesis.
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Sherman D, Worrell JW, Cui Y, Feldman JL. Optogenetic perturbation of preBötzinger complex inhibitory neurons modulates respiratory pattern. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:408-14. [PMID: 25643296 PMCID: PMC4340826 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitory neurons make up a substantial fraction of the neurons in the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), a site that is critical for mammalian eupneic breathing. We investigated the role of glycinergic preBötC neurons in respiratory rhythmogenesis in mice using optogenetically targeted excitation and inhibition. Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or Archaerhodopsin (Arch) were expressed in glycinergic preBötC neurons of glycine transporter 2 (Glyt2, also known as Slc6a5)-Cre mice. In ChR2-transfected mice, brief inspiratory-phase bilateral photostimulation targeting the preBötC prematurely terminated inspiration, whereas expiratory-phase photostimulation delayed the onset of the next inspiration. Prolonged photostimulation produced apneas lasting as long as the light pulse. Inspiratory-phase photoinhibition in Arch-transfected mice during inspiration increased tidal volume without altering inspiratory duration, whereas expiratory-phase photoinhibition shortened the latency until the next inspiration. During persistent apneas, prolonged photoinhibition restored rhythmic breathing. We conclude that glycinergic preBötC neurons modulate inspiratory pattern and are important for reflex apneas, but that the rhythm can persist after substantial dampening of their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sherman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jason W Worrell
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yan Cui
- 1] Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA. [2] Department of Physiology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jack L Feldman
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Abstract
Lung ventilation fluctuates widely with behavior but arterial PCO2 remains stable. Under normal conditions, the chemoreflexes contribute to PaCO2 stability by producing small corrective cardiorespiratory adjustments mediated by lower brainstem circuits. Carotid body (CB) information reaches the respiratory pattern generator (RPG) via nucleus solitarius (NTS) glutamatergic neurons which also target rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) presympathetic neurons thereby raising sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Chemoreceptors also regulate presympathetic neurons and cardiovagal preganglionic neurons indirectly via inputs from the RPG. Secondary effects of chemoreceptors on the autonomic outflows result from changes in lung stretch afferent and baroreceptor activity. Central respiratory chemosensitivity is caused by direct effects of acid on neurons and indirect effects of CO2 via astrocytes. Central respiratory chemoreceptors are not definitively identified but the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) is a particularly strong candidate. The absence of RTN likely causes severe central apneas in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. Like other stressors, intense chemosensory stimuli produce arousal and activate circuits that are wake- or attention-promoting. Such pathways (e.g., locus coeruleus, raphe, and orexin system) modulate the chemoreflexes in a state-dependent manner and their activation by strong chemosensory stimuli intensifies these reflexes. In essential hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and congestive heart failure, chronically elevated CB afferent activity contributes to raising SNA but breathing is unchanged or becomes periodic (severe CHF). Extreme CNS hypoxia produces a stereotyped cardiorespiratory response (gasping, increased SNA). The effects of these various pathologies on brainstem cardiorespiratory networks are discussed, special consideration being given to the interactions between central and peripheral chemoreflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice G Guyenet
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Warren PM, Awad BI, Alilain WJ. Reprint of "Drawing breath without the command of effectors: the control of respiration following spinal cord injury". Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2014; 204:120-30. [PMID: 25266395 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The maintenance of blood gas and pH homeostasis is essential to life. As such breathing, and the mechanisms which control ventilation, must be tightly regulated yet highly plastic and dynamic. However, injury to the spinal cord prevents the medullary areas which control respiration from connecting to respiratory effectors and feedback mechanisms below the level of the lesion. This trauma typically leads to severe and permanent functional deficits in the respiratory motor system. However, endogenous mechanisms of plasticity occur following spinal cord injury to facilitate respiration and help recover pulmonary ventilation. These mechanisms include the activation of spared or latent pathways, endogenous sprouting or synaptogenesis, and the possible formation of new respiratory control centres. Acting in combination, these processes provide a means to facilitate respiratory support following spinal cord trauma. However, they are by no means sufficient to return pulmonary function to pre-injury levels. A major challenge in the study of spinal cord injury is to understand and enhance the systems of endogenous plasticity which arise to facilitate respiration to mediate effective treatments for pulmonary dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa M Warren
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
| | - Basem I Awad
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Mansoura University School of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Warren J Alilain
- Department of Neurosciences, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
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Abstract
The cellular and circuit mechanisms generating the rhythm of breathing in mammals have been under intense investigation for decades. Here, we try to integrate the key discoveries into an updated description of the basic neural processes generating respiratory rhythm under in vivo conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diethelm W Richter
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; and Cellular and Systems Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland
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Xu J, Wu T, Liu W, Yang Z. A frequency shaping neural recorder with 3 pF input capacitance and 11 plus 4.5 bits dynamic range. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS 2014; 8:510-527. [PMID: 25073127 DOI: 10.1109/tbcas.2013.2293821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a frequency-shaping (FS) neural recording architecture and its implementation in a 0.13 μ m CMOS process. Compared with its conventional counterpart, the proposed architecture inherently rejects electrode offset, increases input impedance 5-10 fold, compresses neural data dynamic range (DR) by 4.5-bit, simultaneously records local field potentials (LFPs) and extracellular spikes, and is more suitable for long-term recording experiments. Measured at a 40 kHz sampling clock and ± 0.6 V supply, the recorder consumes 50 μW/ch, of which 22 μW per FS amplifier, 24 μ W per buffer, 4 μ W per 11-bit successive approximation register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC). The input-referred noise for LFPs and extracellular spikes are 13 μ Vrms and 7 μVrms, respectively, which are sufficient to achieve high-fidelity full-spectrum neural data. In addition, the designed recorder has a 3 pF input capacitance and allows " 11+4.5"-bit neural data DR without system saturation, where the extra 4.5-bit owes to the FS technique. Its figure-of-merit (FOM) based on data DR reaches 36.0 fJ/conversion-step.
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