The pre-Bötzinger complex: Generation and modulation of respiratory rhythm

• Published in: Neurología (Barcelona, English ed. ) Vol. 34; no. 7; pp. 461 - 468
• Main Authors: Muñoz-Ortiz, J, Muñoz-Ortiz, E, López-Meraz, L, Beltran-Parrazal, L, Morgado-Valle, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier España, S.L.U 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Breathing; Complejo preBötzinger; Control neural de la respiración; Generación del ritmo respiratorio; In vitro; Internal Medicine; Neural control of breathing; Neurology; NK1R; Prebötzinger complex; Respiración; Respiratory rhythm generation; Neural control of breathing; Respiración; Prebötzinger complex; Generación del ritmo respiratorio; NK1R; Breathing; In vitro; Respiratory rhythm generation; Complejo preBötzinger; Control neural de la respiración
• ISSN: 2173-5808; 2173-5808
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2018.05.006

AbstractIntroductionIn mammals, the preBötzinger complex (preBötC) is a bilateral and symmetrical neural network located in the brainstem which is essential for the generation and modulation of respiratory rhythm. Few human studies have addressed the preBötC and its relationship with neurological diseases has not been described. However, the possibility that the preBötC is important in neural control of breathing, and potentially involved in neurological diseases in humans, has been suggested based on pharmacological manipulation and lesion of the preBötC in animal models, both in vivo and in vitro. MethodIn this review, we describe the effects of certain drugs on the inspiratory activity in vitro in a transverse slice that contains the preBötC, as well as some in vivo experiments. Drugs were classified according to their effects on the main neurotransmitter systems and their importance as stimulators or inhibitors of preBötC activity and therefore for the generation of the respiratory rhythm. ConclusionClinical neurologists will find this information relevant to understanding how the central nervous system generates the respiratory rhythm and may also relate this information to the findings made in daily practice.