Functional organization of the parabrachial complex and intertrigeminal region in the control of breathing.
Although the medulla oblongata contains the epicenter for respiratory rhythm generation, many other parts of the neuraxis play significant substratal roles in breathing. Accumulating evidence suggests that the pons contains several groups of neurons that may belong to the central respiratory system. This article will review data from microstimulation mapping and tract-tracing studies of the parabrachial complex (PB) and intertrigeminal region (ITR). Chemical activation of neurons in these areas has distinct effects on ventilatory and airway muscle activity. Tract-tracing experiments from functionally identified sites reveal specific respiratory-related sensory inputs and outputs that are likely anatomical substrates for these effects. The data suggest that an important physiological role for the rostral pons may be reflexive respiratory responses to airway stimuli.
Chamberlin
Nancy L
NL
Department of Neurology, Room 820, Harvard Institutes of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA. nchamber@bidmc.harvard.edu
D000818:Animals; D001931:Brain Mapping; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation / Q000502:physiology*; D008526:Medulla Oblongata / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011149:Pons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012119:Respiration; D012125:Respiratory Center / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D014275:Trigeminal Caudal Nucleus / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*