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Modulation and reconfiguration of the pontomedullary respiratory network: A computational modeling study
Author(s) -
Lindsey B G,
Ross A,
O'Connor R,
Morris K F,
Nuding S C,
Segers L S,
Shan R,
Dick T E,
DuninBarkowski W L,
Orem J M,
Solomon I C,
Rybak I A
Publication year - 2007
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.21.5.a559-a
Subject(s) - neuroscience , raphe , respiratory system , population , bursting , biology , medicine , serotonergic , serotonin , receptor , environmental health
In previous models for respiratory motor pattern generation, connectivity of the pontine respiratory group (PRG) has been largely ad hoc. We have identified interactions among neurons of the PRG, ventral respiratory column (VRC), and raphe nuclei using multi‐array recording technology and spike train analysis, and incorporated these in our model of the pontomedullary respiratory network. The model predicts respiratory modulation of PRG and raphe neurons is due to VRC inputs and intrinsic connectivity. Simulations show that baroreceptor modulation of raphe prolongs expiration through parallel excitation and disinhibition of VRC decrementing expiratory neurons, supporting previous in vivo observations. An increased respiratory rate, as during REM sleep, can be reproduced in the model via modulation of a conditionally bursting I‐driver population. Respiratory phase‐dependent firing synchrony among neurons with no respiratory modulation of their individual firing rates occurs in a recurrent inhibitory circuit receiving an efferent copy of inspiratory drive, thus providing a plausible mechanism for earlier results. We also observe a specific network reconfiguration during simulated cough; PRG neuron firing rate responses are similar to those observed in vivo. Our work provides a framework for theoretical and experimental analysis of PRG‐VRC loops in respiratory control and chemoreceptor reflex circuits. Supported by grants NS46062, NS19814.