Respiratory rhythm generator neurons in medulla of brainstem-spinal cord preparation from newborn rat.
Rhythmic neuronal activity preceding C4 inspiratory activity (Pre-I neuron activity) was recorded in rostral ventrolateral (near ventral surface) medulla of brainstem-spinal cord preparation isolated from newborn rat. Vagal stimulation inhibited C4 activity but not Pre-I neuron activity. Rhythmic Pre-I neuron-like activity was still recorded in the block of rostral medulla after transection. Results suggest that Pre-I neurons generate the basic respiratory rhythm and trigger inspiratory activity.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012119:Respiration; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000502:physiology*; D013696:Temperature; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology