title: Peptides, serotonin, and breathing: the role of the raphe in the control of respiration.
abstract: Over the last 20 years, it has become clear that many functionally defined autonomic neurons in the brainstem contain many more than one neurotransmitter. Here, the possible role and functions of colocalized neuropeptides in the caudal raphe nuclei of the medulla oblongata are discussed. Caudal raphe neurons provide an extensive input to neurons throughout the brainstem and spinal cord, including respiratory and cardiovascular neurons. It is concluded that one plausible function of colocalized neuropeptides is to maintain the membrane potential of target neurons within a defined window so that they remain able to function at extremes of activity.
authors.affiliation: The Heart Research Institute, University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: paul.pilowsky@hri.org.au.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Pilowsky
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D011903:Raphe Nuclei / Q000502:physiology*; D012119:Respiration; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D012701:Serotonin
keywords: TRH; caudal raphe; neuropeptides; serotonin; substance P