Breathing is generated by a neuronal network that is distributed along the rostro-caudal axis of the ventrolateral medulla (ventral respiratory column, VRC). This network gives rise to three distinct phases: inspiration (I), post-inspiration (Post-I), and active expiration (AE). Many disorders are associated with disturbances in different forms of breathing and the response to hypoxia. Thus understanding how these phases of breathing are generated and dynamically regulated under various conditions such as hypoxia is of great basic scientific and clinical interest. In this project we introduce two novel rhythmicall active brainstem slice preparations that allow us to study the integration of synaptic, intrinsic and modulatory properties in the wider medullary network to an extent that was not possible before. Based on our preliminary data we propose the hypothesis that post-I and inspiration are generated by an excitatory column that extends rostrally from the pre-Btzinger complex into the Btzinger complex. This distributed excitatory network interacts with GABAergic and glycinergic mechanisms as well as intrinsic membrane properties that will be explored in the horizontal slice preparation using a variety of electrophysiological, pharmacological, and optogenetic approaches (Aim 1). Insights gained in this horizontal slice preparation will be compared with data obtained from two transverse slice preparations that isolate the caudal and rostral portion of this excitatory column (Aim 2). This approach will allow us to differentiate rhythmogenic mechanisms occurring at the caudal and rostral end of this column. Concepts revealed in these in vitro findings will then be tested in a spontaneously breathing in vivo preparation (Aim 3). We expect that the introduction of these novel in vitro preparations, combined with modern optogenetic techniques and a rigorous integration with in vivo approaches will allow us to revisit existing models of respiratory rhythm generation. This may lead to a better understanding of various issues that remain unresolved and unexplained at the current state of knowledge in the field of neural control of breathing.

Public Health Relevance

Many neurological disorders are associated with breathing disorders that affect the control of inspiration and various forms of expiration. We identify the cellular mechanisms in a neuronal network that is located within the lower brainstem and that controls the different phases of breathing.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL126523-03
Application #
9180721
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Laposky, Aaron D
Project Start
2015-01-01
Project End
2018-11-30
Budget Start
2016-12-01
Budget End
2017-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Seattle Children's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
048682157
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98101
Ramirez, Jan-Marino; Baertsch, Nathan (2018) Defining the Rhythmogenic Elements of Mammalian Breathing. Physiology (Bethesda) 33:302-316
Garcia, Alfredo J; Ramirez, Jan-Marino (2017) Keeping carbon dioxide in check. Elife 6:
Anderson, Tatiana M; Ramirez, Jan-Marino (2017) Respiratory rhythm generation: triple oscillator hypothesis. F1000Res 6:139
Ramirez, Jan-Marino; Dashevskiy, Tatiana; Marlin, Ibis Agosto et al. (2016) Microcircuits in respiratory rhythm generation: commonalities with other rhythm generating networks and evolutionary perspectives. Curr Opin Neurobiol 41:53-61
Anderson, Tatiana M; Garcia 3rd, Alfredo J; Baertsch, Nathan A et al. (2016) A novel excitatory network for the control of breathing. Nature 536:76-80