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A novel, more complex rhythmic slice preparation containing the preBötzinger (PBC) and Kölliker‐Fuse (KF) region
Author(s) -
Funke Frank,
Müller Michael,
Dutschmann Mathias
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a369-d
Subject(s) - brainstem , respiratory center , neuroscience , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , chemistry , rhythm , strychnine , pons , reticular formation , premovement neuronal activity , respiratory system , bursting , bicuculline , population , medicine , biology , receptor , central nervous system , gabaa receptor , biochemistry , environmental health
Rhythmic slice preparations for the study of neuronal control of breathing usually contain the PBC and associated medullary respiratory centers. The activity of XII rootlets or PBC elements indicates ongoing respiratory‐like activity. Recent studies suggest that respiratory rhythm generation also involves more rostral aspects like the parafacial region (PFR). Also a potential role of the pontine KF is assumed. We developed a 700 μm rat brainstem slice that includes the PBC, PFR and KF. In this slice we imaged Ca 2+ (see abstract Funke et al.) to analyze population activity (PA) in the PBC correlated with electrical PBC mass activity. The novel slice preparation is characterized by a low frequency PBC mass activity (3 burst/min, in 8 mM K + ) compared to 6–12 bursts/minute in the “classic” PBC slice. Blocking inhibitory synapses with strychnine and bicuculline caused an initial, substantial augmentation of the PBC rhythm that stabilized at frequencies of 4–6 bursts/min; burst duration was increased. So far, imaging did not reveal a reconfiguration or recruitment of additional neuronal populations. Nevertheless, the response pattern reflects the situation after pontine ablation in en‐bloc preparations. Therefore, our new slice preparation may prove substantial in the study of pontine modulation of PBC activity under a variety of physio‐ and pathophysiological conditions. Funded by the DFG (CMPB)