Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2015/23376-1: Zeiss AxioImager microscope with fluorescence, light/dark field, digital camera and hardware and system analysis

• Grant number: 17/12072-7
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: October 01, 2017
• End date: September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Thiago dos Santos Moreira
• Grantee: Thiago dos Santos Moreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/23376-1 - Retrotrapezoid nucleus, respiratory chemosensitivity and breathing automaticity, AP.TEM
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Caracterização de Materiais - Microscopia ótica - Fluorescência; Caracterização de Materiais - Microscopia ótica - Efeitos de campo; Caracterização de Materiais - Microscopia ótica - Transmissão
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

Breathing automaticity and chemoreception are inseparable neural processes. The retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), a group of glutamatergic neurons that express the transcription factor Phox2b, may be a crucial nodal point through which breathing automaticity is regulated to maintain CO2 constant. Additional evidence that RTN neurons have central respiratory chemoreceptor properties is presented, but this is only one of many factors that determine their activity. The RTN is also regulated by powerful inputs from the carotid bodies and, at least in the adult, by many other synaptic inputs. It is also established that RTN neurons may control the activity of the downstream central respiratory pattern generator. Specifically, RTN neurons (a) innervate the entire ventral respiratory column and (b) control both inspiration and expiration. Based on the information above, this project will intend to analyze the role of RTN chemoreceptors neurons in the control of breathing under physiological, pathological and during development in mammals. (AU)