THE EFFECTS OF GASTRIN-RELEASING PEPTIDE MICROINJECTIONS INTO THE PRE-BOTZINGER COMPLEX ON THE RESPIRATORY PARAMETERS OF RATS

Abstract

In the article, the results of investigation of the respiratory effects of gastrinreleasing peptide microjections into the pre-Botzinger complex are presented. It was found that microinjections of neuropeptide induced an increase in respiratory rate, tidal volume, amplitude of diaphragm and external intercostal muscles bursting activity. The statistically significant respiratory responses observed when 10^-5 M of GRP was used, while 10^-8 M of GRP appeared to be sub-threshold and didn’t alter the breathing pattern and activity of inspiratory muscles. The suggested mechanisms of action of GRP at the level of pre-Botzinger complex are discussed.