Optogenetic excitation of preBötzinger complex neurons potently drives inspiratory activity in vivo.

摘要: Key points This study investigates the effects on ventilation of an excitatory stimulus delivered in a spatially and temporally precise manner to inspiratory oscillator, preBotzinger complex (preBotC). We used adeno-associated virus expressing channelrhodopsin driven by synapsin promoter target region preBotC. Unilateral optogenetic stimulation preBotC increased respiratory rate, minute modulated genioglossus muscle activity. Unilateral consistently entrained rate up 180 breaths min–1 both presence ongoing activity absence induced strong phase-independent Type 0 reset, with short delay response 100 ms. We identified refractory period ∼200 ms where unilateral is not able initiate next event. Abstract Understanding sites mechanisms underlying rhythmogenesis fundamental interest field neurophysiology. Previous studies demonstrated necessary sufficient role (preBotC) generating rhythms vitro vivo. However, influence timed activation network vivo as yet unknown given experimental approaches previously used. By unilaterally infecting neurons using we photo-activated order assess how excitation oscillator influences breathing related muscular urethane-anaesthetized rats. We hypothesized that if drive for burst initiation, photo-activation only will increase but also entrain it over wide range frequencies fast onset, have little effect rhythm during inspiration. Stimulation respiration fourfold baseline conditions. Furthermore, brief pulses photostimulation at random phases between events robustly (Type 0) reset recruited very delays (∼100 ms). A 200 ms following inspiration was identified. These data provide evidence fine control further constitutes rhythms.