Efferent projections of excitatory and inhibitory preB ötzinger complex neurons

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. The preBötzinger Complex (preBötC) in the brainstem generates inspiratory rhythm, but how it is wired within the core central pattern generator neural circuit to produce and modulate breathing movements remains to be determined. We examined the connectivity of two populations of preBötC neurons, one excitatory expressing the peptide somatostatin (SST) and one inhibitory expressing the glycine transporter GlyT2, to other brainstem regions that modulate breathing and identified projections to suprapontine regions that may regulate voluntary and emotional control of breathing. PreBötC inhibitory projections parallel excitatory projections and, at least in the pons, may target the same neurons. Our brain‐wide connectivity mapping shows that the preBötC sends direct, presumably inspiratory‐modulated, excitatory and inhibitory projections in parallel to distinct targets throughout the brain.
Source: The Journal of Comparative Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research