Breathing is a complex repetitive behavior in which a centrally generated rhythm is translated into a synergistic pattern of motor output on nerves arising from cranial, cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels. The precise spatiotemporal pattern of activity differs markedly on the diverse motor nerves and can increase in magnitude on some while simultaneously decreasing on others. This proposal is for a series of studies aimed at addressing the distribution of rhythm versus pattern generating roles within the circuitry generating and controlling respiratory motor output. The working hypothesis is that timing and pattern are generated by different neurons within anatomically separated brainstem regions. To test this hypothesis, a series of electrophysiological, neuroanatomical and pharmacological techniques will be employed. The differential localization of rhythm and pattern generating circuitry will be tested by interrupting neural activity irreversibly with electrolytic lesions or injection of agents that inhibit neuronal activity. A potential role for neurons within specific regions in generating respiratory rhythm or pattern will be inferred if: 1) unilateral interruption of neuronal activity selectively blocks reflex changes in respiratory timing or pattern, and 2) bilateral interruption of activity within these regions abolishes respiratory rhythm generation. The source of afferent neuronal input to regions containing neurons potentially involved in rhythm or pattern generation will initially be examined using fluorescent double labeling techniques. It is hypothesized that regions involved in rhythm generation will exhibit the extensive synaptic interactions required for coordination of activity between bilaterally distributed rhythm generating networks. Within regions meeting these criteria, the activity patterns and synaptic drive of neurons activated during reflexive changes in respiratory rhythm or pattern will be determined using intracellular and extracellular recording. Responses of individual neurons will be correlated with changes in rhythm and pattern. The underlying premise is that neurons having a causal role in respiratory rhythm will exhibit discharge patterns that maintain a fixed relationship to respiratory rhythm. The axonal projection patterns and post-synaptic connections will be determined for neurons, which are identified as candidates for mediating the Breuer-Hering reflex. Identification of the neuronal pathways producing respiratory rhythm and pattern are prerequisite for full understanding of a variety of clinical disorders such as sleep apnea and central hypoventilation syndrome.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL060097-05
Application #
6537379
Study Section
Respiratory and Applied Physiology Study Section (RAP)
Program Officer
Twery, Michael
Project Start
1998-04-10
Project End
2003-03-31
Budget Start
2002-04-01
Budget End
2003-03-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$262,558
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611
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Alheid, George F (2003) Extended amygdala and basal forebrain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 985:185-205
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Rybak, Ilya A; Ptak, Krzysztof; Shevtsova, Natalia A et al. (2003) Sodium currents in neurons from the rostroventrolateral medulla of the rat. J Neurophysiol 90:1635-42
Kaufmann, Walter A; Humpel, Christian; Alheid, George F et al. (2003) Compartmentation of alpha 1 and alpha 2 GABA(A) receptor subunits within rat extended amygdala: implications for benzodiazepine action. Brain Res 964:91-9
Alheid, G F; Gray, P A; Jiang, M C et al. (2002) Parvalbumin in respiratory neurons of the ventrolateral medulla of the adult rat. J Neurocytol 31:693-717
Zuperku, Edward J; McCrimmon, Donald R (2002) Gain modulation of respiratory neurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 131:121-33
McCrimmon, D R; Monnier, A; Ptak, K et al. (2001) Respiratory rhythm generation: preBotzinger neuron discharge patterns and persistent sodium current. Adv Exp Med Biol 499:147-52

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