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Goheen J, Wolman A, Angeletti LL, Wolff A, Anderson JAE, Northoff G. Dynamic mechanisms that couple the brain and breathing to the external environment. Commun Biol 2024; 7:938. [PMID: 39097670 PMCID: PMC11297933 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06642-3] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain and breathing activities are closely related. However, the exact neurophysiological mechanisms that couple the brain and breathing to stimuli in the external environment are not yet agreed upon. Our data support that synchronization and dynamic attunement are two key mechanisms that couple local brain activity and breathing to external periodic stimuli. First, we review the existing literature, which provides strong evidence for the synchronization of brain and breathing in terms of coherence, cross-frequency coupling and phase-based entrainment. Second, using EEG and breathing data, we show that both the lungs and localized brain activity at the Cz channel attune the temporal structure of their power spectra to the periodic structure of external auditory inputs. We highlight the role of dynamic attunement in playing a key role in coordinating the tripartite temporal alignment of localized brain activity, breathing and input dynamics across longer timescales like minutes. Overall, this perspective sheds light on potential mechanisms of brain-breathing coupling and its alignment to stimuli in the external environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Goheen
- Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research associated with The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Angelika Wolman
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research associated with The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Lucherini Angeletti
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research associated with The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Georg Northoff
- Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Research Unit, The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research associated with The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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2
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Plini ERG, Melnychuk MC, Andrews R, Boyle R, Whelan R, Spence JS, Chapman SB, Robertson IH, Dockree PM. Greater physical fitness ( VO 2 max ) in healthy older adults associated with increased integrity of the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14191. [PMID: 38895950 PMCID: PMC11250687 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14191] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM Physical activity (PA) is a key component for brain health and Reserve, and it is among the main dementia protective factors. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning Reserve are not fully understood. In this regard, a noradrenergic (NA) theory of cognitive reserve (Robertson, 2013) has proposed that the upregulation of NA system might be a key factor for building reserve and resilience to neurodegeneration because of the neuroprotective role of NA across the brain. PA elicits an enhanced catecholamine response, in particular for NA. By increasing physical commitment, a greater amount of NA is synthetised in response to higher oxygen demand. More physically trained individuals show greater capabilities to carry oxygen resulting in greaterVo 2 max - a measure of oxygen uptake and physical fitness (PF). METHODS We hypothesized that greaterVo 2 max would be related to greater Locus Coeruleus (LC) MRI signal intensity. In a sample of 41 healthy subjects, we performed Voxel-Based Morphometry analyses, then repeated for the other neuromodulators as a control procedure (Serotonin, Dopamine and Acetylcholine). RESULTS As hypothesized, greaterVo 2 max related to greater LC signal intensity, and weaker associations emerged for the other neuromodulators. CONCLUSION This newly established link betweenVo 2 max and LC-NA system offers further understanding of the neurobiology underpinning Reserve in relationship to PA. While this study supports Robertson's theory proposing the upregulation of the NA system as a possible key factor building Reserve, it also provides ground for increasing LC-NA system resilience to neurodegeneration viaVo 2 max enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele R G Plini
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael C Melnychuk
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ralph Andrews
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rory Boyle
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Whelan
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey S Spence
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sandra B Chapman
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ian H Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychology, Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul M Dockree
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Lazarev A, Nath S, Nguyen CQ, Demian AM, Bertasi RAO, Bertasi TGO, Pujalte GGA. Sports and Weight Control in Children. Cureus 2024; 16:e53731. [PMID: 38455821 PMCID: PMC10919905 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric obesity is a global concern with distressing comorbid conditions, including mood disturbance, cardiovascular changes, endocrine imbalance, liver disease, sleep apnea, and orthopedic conditions. The primary treatment of this condition includes physical activity. Participating in organized sports has been shown to reduce weight and the complications of pediatric obesity more effectively than individual exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemii Lazarev
- Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Sahil Nath
- Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, USA
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Plini ERG, Melnychuk MC, Andrews R, Boyle R, Whelan R, Spence JS, Chapman SB, Robertson IH, Dockree PM. Greater physical fitness (Vo2Max) in healthy older adults associated with increased integrity of the Locus Coeruleus-Noradrenergic system. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2556690. [PMID: 36798156 PMCID: PMC9934752 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2556690/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) is a key component for brain health and Reserve, and it is among the main dementia protective factors. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning Reserve are not fully understood. In this regard, a noradrenergic (NA) theory of cognitive reserve (Robertson, 2013) has proposed that the upregulation of NA system might be a key factor for building reserve and resilience to neurodegeneration because of the neuroprotective role of NA across the brain. PA elicits an enhanced catecholamine response, in particular for NA. By increasing physical commitment, a greater amount of NA is synthetised in response to higher oxygen demand. More physically trained individuals show greater capabilities to carry oxygen resulting in greater Vo2max - a measure of oxygen uptake and physical fitness (PF). In the current study, we hypothesised that greater Vo2 max would be related to greater Locus Coeruleus (LC) MRI signal intensity. As hypothesised, greater Vo2max related to greater LC signal intensity across 41 healthy adults (age range 60-72). As a control procedure, in which these analyses were repeated for the other neuromodulators' seeds (for Serotonin, Dopamine and Acetylcholine), weaker associations emerged. This newly established link between Vo2max and LC-NA system offers further understanding of the neurobiology underpinning Reserve in relationship to PA. While this study supports Robertson's theory proposing the upregulation of the noradrenergic system as a possible key factor building Reserve, it also provide grounds for increasing LC-NA system resilience to neurodegeneration via Vo2max enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele RG Plini
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael C Melnychuk
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ralph Andrews
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rory Boyle
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Building 149, Charlestown MA, USA
| | - Robert Whelan
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey S. Spence
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sandra B. Chapman
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ian H Robertson
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Building 149, Charlestown MA, USA
- Center for BrainHealth, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Psychology, Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul M Dockree
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Llyod Building, 42A Pearse St, 8PVX+GJ Dublin, Ireland
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Krohn F, Novello M, van der Giessen RS, De Zeeuw CI, Pel JJM, Bosman LWJ. The integrated brain network that controls respiration. eLife 2023; 12:83654. [PMID: 36884287 PMCID: PMC9995121 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiration is a brain function on which our lives essentially depend. Control of respiration ensures that the frequency and depth of breathing adapt continuously to metabolic needs. In addition, the respiratory control network of the brain has to organize muscular synergies that integrate ventilation with posture and body movement. Finally, respiration is coupled to cardiovascular function and emotion. Here, we argue that the brain can handle this all by integrating a brainstem central pattern generator circuit in a larger network that also comprises the cerebellum. Although currently not generally recognized as a respiratory control center, the cerebellum is well known for its coordinating and modulating role in motor behavior, as well as for its role in the autonomic nervous system. In this review, we discuss the role of brain regions involved in the control of respiration, and their anatomical and functional interactions. We discuss how sensory feedback can result in adaptation of respiration, and how these mechanisms can be compromised by various neurological and psychological disorders. Finally, we demonstrate how the respiratory pattern generators are part of a larger and integrated network of respiratory brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Krohn
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Manuele Novello
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johan J M Pel
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Schaefer M, Edwards S, Nordén F, Lundström JN, Arshamian A. Inconclusive evidence that breathing shapes pupil dynamics in humans: a systematic review. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:119-137. [PMID: 35871662 PMCID: PMC9816272 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
More than 50 years ago, it was proposed that breathing shapes pupil dynamics. This widespread idea is also the general understanding currently. However, there has been no attempt at synthesizing the progress on this topic since. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the literature on how breathing affects pupil dynamics in humans. We assessed the effect of breathing phase, depth, rate, and route (nose/mouth). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and conducted a systematic search of the scientific literature databases MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PsycInfo in November 2021. Thirty-one studies were included in the final analyses, and their quality was assessed with QualSyst. The study findings were summarized in a descriptive manner, and the strength of the evidence for each parameter was estimated following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The effect of breathing phase on pupil dynamics was rated as "low" (6 studies). The effect of breathing depth and breathing rate (6 and 20 studies respectively) were rated as "very low". Breathing route was not investigated by any of the included studies. Overall, we show that there is, at best, inconclusive evidence for an effect of breathing on pupil dynamics in humans. Finally, we suggest some possible confounders to be considered, and outstanding questions that need to be addressed, to answer this fundamental question. Trial registration: This systematic review has been registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number: CRD42022285044.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schaefer
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sylvia Edwards
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frans Nordén
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan N. Lundström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden ,Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre, Stockholm University, 11415 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artin Arshamian
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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Waselenchuk Q, Ballanyi K. Autocrine Neuromodulation and Network Activity Patterns in the Locus Coeruleus of Newborn Rat Slices. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040437. [PMID: 35447969 PMCID: PMC9024645 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Already in newborns, the locus coeruleus (LC) controls multiple brain functions and may have a complex organization as in adults. Our findings in newborn rat brain slices indicate that LC neurons (i) generate at ~1 Hz a ~0.3 s-lasting local field potential (LFP) comprising summated phase-locked single spike discharge, (ii) express intrinsic ‘pacemaker’ or ‘burster’ properties and (iii) receive solely excitatory or initially excitatory−secondary inhibitory inputs. μ-opioid or ɑ2 noradrenaline receptor agonists block LFP rhythm at 100−250 nM whereas slightly lower doses transform its bell-shaped pattern into slower crescendo-shaped multipeak bursts. GABAA and glycine receptors hyperpolarize LC neurons to abolish rhythm which remains though unaffected by blocking them. Rhythm persists also during ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) inhibition whereas <10 mV depolarization during iGluR agonists accelerates spiking to cause subtype-specific fast (spindle-shaped) LFP oscillations. Similar modest neuronal depolarization causing a cytosolic Ca2+ rise occurs (without effect on neighboring astrocytes) during LFP acceleration by CNQX activating a TARP-AMPA-type iGluR complex. In contrast, noradrenaline lowers neuronal Ca2+ baseline via ɑ2 receptors, but evokes an ɑ1 receptor-mediated ‘concentric’ astrocytic Ca2+ wave. In summary, the neonatal LC has a complex (possibly modular) organization to enable discharge pattern transformations that might facilitate discrete actions on target circuits.
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Recent insights into respiratory modulation of brain activity offer new perspectives on cognition and emotion. Biol Psychol 2022; 170:108316. [PMID: 35292337 PMCID: PMC10155500 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past six years, a rapidly growing number of studies have shown that respiration exerts a significant influence on sensory, affective, and cognitive processes. At the same time, an increasing amount of experimental evidence indicates that this influence occurs via modulation of neural oscillations and their synchronization between brain areas. In this article, we review the relevant findings and discuss whether they might inform our understanding of a variety of disorders that have been associated with abnormal patterns of respiration. We review literature on the role of respiration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anxiety (panic attacks), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and we conclude that the new insights into respiratory modulation of neuronal activity may help understand the relationship between respiratory abnormalities and cognitive and affective deficits.
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