Abstract
In 30 brain stem-spinal cord preparations isolated from newborn rats, we examined effects of 10 μM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on 21 pre-inspiratory (Pre-I) and 26 inspiratory (I) neurons during perfusion in a synaptic blockade (low Ca 2+, high Mg 2+) bath, referred to here as low Ca. Application of NMDA to 9 Pre-I neurons that burst rhythmically in low Ca significantly increased the burst rates of 6. The activity of two Pre-I neurons out of four that fired tonically in low Ca, was changed to rhythmic bursts by NMDA. One of eight Pre-I neurons that were silent in low Ca was caused to burst rhythmically by NMDA. Application of NMDA had no effect on 20 I neurons out of 26 tested. NMDA made one I neuron that was otherwise silent burst rhythmically in low Ca. The results suggest that, in this preparation, activation of NMDA receptors could contribute to induction or facilitation of burst activity by respiratory neurons, especially Pre-I neurons.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
