BRAINSTEM NEURAL NETWORKS AND AIRWAY DEFENSIVE REFLEXES

本研究的目的是界定职能组织， 脑干网络的内部运作， 产生并调节防御反射运动模式。 多神经元记录技术和尖峰序列分析方法（即， 互相关，重力）将用于确定平行和 虚拟咳嗽时的神经元反应和喉功能 呼气反射和定义并发功能相互作用 在几个脑干的生理特征神经元中， 地区 从这种方法导出的网络模型的可扩展性 将通过计算机模拟进行测试。 虚构的咳嗽和 呼气反射将通过机械刺激 胸内气管和喉，分别在去大脑， 瘫痪的，换气的猫 假设一 Botzinger/腹侧呼吸群（BOT/VRG）网络 相互作用产生咳嗽模式， 呼吸运动神经元 假设二。 咳嗽时喉运动神经元的活动受到控制 由BOT/VRG固有延髓神经元。 假设三。 咳嗽感受器激活尾核的神经元 孤束（NTS），它同时将信息分发给 背侧呼吸神经元组（DRG）和脑桥呼吸神经元 组（PRG）。 假设四。 PRG神经元之间的功能连接有助于 他们的呼吸调节，并类似于相互作用， 节律/模式产生BOT/VRG神经元。 假设V. PRG调节BOT/VRG产生的咳嗽运动 和中缝核上特定神经元的发散行为 原子核。 假设六 中缝神经元网络在 通过来自NTS、PRG和BOT/VRG的输入咳嗽。 假设七 中缝神经元网络调节咳嗽运动 通过BOT/VRG上的动作来实现模式。 其他平行研究：在 在计划的实验过程中，我们还将检查脑干 产生喉呼气反射运动模式的机制。 呼吸道防御反射对于呼吸道疾病患者的日常生存至关重要。 患有和没有肺部疾病的人;他们也可以加剧 其他病理条件。 这些研究将有助于基础 可能有助于今后发展更多 有效的治疗干预措施， 反射

The goal of this research is to define the functional organization and internal operations of the brainstem network through which airway defensive reflex motor patterns are generated and modulated. Many-neuron recording technology and spike train analysis methods (i.e., cross-correlation, gravity) will be used to determine parallel and sequential neuronal responses during fictive cough and the laryngeal expiration reflex, and the define concurrent functional interactions among physiologically characterized neurons in several brainstem regions. The plausibility of network models derived from this approach will be tested with computer simulations. Fictive cough and the expiration reflex will be evoked by mechanical stimulation of the intrathoracic trachea and larynx, respectively, in decerebrated, paralyzed, ventilated cats. Hypothesis I. Botzinger/ventral respiratory group (BOT/VRG) network interactions produce the cough patterns that are relayed to spinal respiratory motoneurons. Hypothesis II. Laryngeal motoneuron activity during cough is controlled by BOT/VRG propriobulbar neurons. Hypothesis III. Cough receptors activate neurons in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) which distribute information concurrently to neurons in the dorsal respiratory group (DRG), and pontine respiratory group (PRG). Hypothesis IV. Functional connectivity among PRG neurons contribute to their respiratory modulation, and are similar to interactions among rhythm/pattern generating BOT/VRG neurons. Hypothesis V. The PRG modulates the BOT/VRG generated cough motor pattern through divergent actions of specific neurons uon the and raphe nuclei. Hypothesis VI. The raphe neuronal network is modulated during cough by inputs from NTS, PRG, and BOT/VRG. Hypothesis VII. The raphe neuronal network modulates the cough motor pattern through actions on the BOT/VRG. Other Parallel Studies: In the course of the planned experiments, we will also examine brainstem mechanisms that generate laryngeal expiration reflex motor patterns. Airway defensive reflexes are essential for the day-to-day survival of individuals with and without lung disease; they can also exacerbate other pathological conditions. These studies will contribute basic information that could be useful for future development of more effective therapeutic interventions for disorders involving these reflexes.