Analysis of the neuronal network that generates respiratory rhythm and pattern

为了阐明参与呼吸节律和模式产生的颈脊髓呼吸神经元群的功能和解剖结构，我们在体外和原位大鼠制备中进行了电压成像、电生理记录和免疫组织学分析。我们在高颈（C1-C2）脊髓中发现了一个新的呼吸神经元组，并将其命名为“高颈脊髓呼吸神经元组（high cervical spinal cord respiratory neuron group， HCRG）”。我们还分析了膈核水平（C3-C5水平）呼吸神经元的时空分布，发现膈核和斜角肌运动神经元位于同一水平，但各自独立，活动模式不同。这些发现将为更好地了解呼吸障碍伴颈脊髓损伤的病理生理学和开发新的治疗方式奠定基础。

To elucidate the function and anatomy of the respiratory neuron groups in the cervical spinal cord that are involved in respiratory rhythm and pattern generation, we conducted voltage imaging, electrophysiological recording and immunohistological analyses in in vitro and in situ rat preparations. We found a novel respiratory neuron group in the high (C1-C2) cervical spinal cord, and reported it as "High Cervical Spinal Cord Respiratory Neuron Group (HCRG)". We also analyzed the spatiotemporal profiles of the respiratory neurons at the level of the phrenic nucleus (C3-C5 level), and found that phrenic and scalene motoneurons are located at the same level but separately with distinct activity patterns. These findings will be the basis to better understand the pathophysiology of respiratory disturbance accompanied with cervical spinal cord injury and to develop new treatment modality.