Analysis of the network for the vocalization-respiration mode switching mechanism

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The nucleus parabrachialis(NPB) is known as a respiratory modulating center and the NPB receives direct inputs from the vocal and insular cortices associated with the higher processing of emotion and speech. We examined how the NPB participates in the inspiratory-expiratory phase switching using brainstem-spinal cord preparations obtained from 0-4-day-old rats. The NPB electrical stimulation induced a transient depression or termination in the C4 inspiratory phase. This inhibition of C4 was greatly reduced by perfusion of NMDA antagonists and was blocked by GABAA-antagonist. We identified inspiratory-expiratory(I-E) neurons that responded vagal stimulation in the NPB. These I-E neurons which might be inspiratory off-switch neurons received the inputs from the para-facial respiratory group and adrenergic modulation. These results suggested that the NPB is involved in the inspiratory-expiratory phase switching in neonatal rat ; NPB might be working as a phase and/or mode switching system.