Catecholaminergic neurons of the brainstem contributes to respiratory adjusts induced by hypoxia and hypercapnia.

Author(s)

Milene Rodrigues Malheiros Lima

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2017-08-25

Examining board members

Thiago dos Santos Moreira; Vagner Roberto Antunes; Eduardo Colombari; Marco Antônio Peliky Fontes; Lisete Compagno Michelini

• Advisor: Thiago dos Santos Moreira

Abstract

The catecholaminergic C1 neurons, located in the rostral ventrolateral portion of the medulla, are classically known by their involvement in the cardiovascular control. Recent models suggest that C1 neurons are recruited in situations of life risk, triggering generalized and stereotyped responses to homeostasis. Such responses involve cardiovascular, immunologic, neuroendocrine, metabolic, thermoregulatory and respiratory adjustments. Thus, anatomic and functional tools were used to assess the contribution of C1 neurons to the respiratory adjustments induced by hypoxia and hypercapnia. The results show that these neurons contribute to the increase of ventilation induced by hypoxia, but not by hypercapnia, via an increase of the breathing frequency. Moreover, we demonstrated that increase of breathing frequency promoted by the activation of C1 neurons depend on the activation of glutamatergic receptors, but not adrenergic, located in the pre-Bötzinge complex. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/07698-6 - Contribution of catecholaminergic neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla in the respiratory control
• Grantee: Milene Rodrigues Malheiros Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate