Neurokinin-1 receptor-expressing cells of the ventral respiratory group are functionally heterogeneous and predominantly glutamatergic.

摘要: According to a recent theory (Gray et al., 1999) the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R)-immunoreactive (ir) neurons of ventral respiratory group (VRG) are confined pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) and might be glutamatergic interneurons that drive rhythmogenesis. In this study we tested whether NK1R-ir VRG glutamatergic. We also examined different groups coexist in on basis these cells contain preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA or project spinal cord. NK1R immunoreactivity was found two populations both predominantly because most them contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (77 +/- 9%; n = 3). A small fusiform (somatic cross section: 91 3.6 microm2) has neither PPE nor projections is primarily restricted pre-BotC. These may destruction which produces massive disruptions rhythm 2001). The rest multipolar, larger 252 15 microm2), express high levels mRNA. Some located rostral half cord (C4 T3). Using electrophysiological methods, showed bulbospinal slowly discharging inspiratory-augmenting neurons, suggesting they control phrenic intercostal motor neurons. summary, NK1R-expressing heterogeneous include subpopulations premotor