Evidence for distributed processing during hypoxic stimulation by the brainstem cardiorespiratory network

Abstract

Brainstem neural networks play an important integrative role in the regulation of respiratory and cardiovascular responses to hypoxia, but their organization remains poorly understood. We addressed the hypothesis that a distributed brainstem network, including rostral medullary neurons (RMNs) in the region of the retrotrapezoid nucleus, dorsolateral pons, raphé, and ventrolateral cardiorespiratory column (VRC), integrate central and peripheral chemoreceptor inputs. Data were obtained from decerebrate adult cats. We used multi‐electrode arrays to record from up to 118 neurons simultaneously. Firing rate responses were measured during hypoxia and stimulation of central chemoreceptors. Spike trains were also analyzed with respiratory and cardiac cycle triggered histograms and cross correlation. Results include: 1. Multiple cardiorespiratory rhythms in neurons responsive to hypoxic stimulation. 2. Co‐expression of distributed eupneic network activity present together with gasp patterns during recovery from severe brain hypoxia. 3. Reciprocal effective RMN‐VRC connectivity of neurons responsive to both hypoxia and hypercapnia. The results suggest a brainstem network architecture with connectivity that shapes the respiratory motor pattern via overlapping circuits that modulate central and peripheral chemoreceptor‐mediated influences on breathing.Supported by NS19814, NS46062