Neuronal pacemaker for breathing visualized in vitro
Article Abstract:
The respiratory rhythm is generated in the brainstem, and the critical locus has only recently been localized in the pre-Botzinger complex. In vitro brainstem slice preparations from neonatal rodents having the pre-Botzinger complex were found to spontaneously generate rhythmic inspiratory activity in cranial hypoglossal motor nerves. The activity of inspiratory pacemaker neurons were visualized and methods to label them retrogradely in neonatal rodent brainstem were developed. The results show that the neuronal kernel for rhythm generation comprises a network of synaptically-coupled pacemaker neurons.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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A basal ganglia pacemaker formed by the subthalamic nucleus and external globus pallidus
Article Abstract:
The subthalamic nucleus of the basal ganglia (STN) is important for both normal movement and movement disorders. It is shown that the excitatory STN and inhibitory external globus pallidus (GPe) form a synchronized bursting feedback system. Pallidal lesion abolishes the bursting, while cortical lesion favours bursting at 0.8 Hz. Pallidal bursts were needed for synchronized oscillatory burst generation.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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W kit gene required for interstitial cells of Cajal and for intestinal pacemaker activity
Article Abstract:
The Kit receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed by the intestinal cells of Cajal. This tyrosine kinase is the cause for the pacemaker activity in mammalian gut resulting in phase contraction. The intestinal cells of Cajal are absent in the mice which have mutations in the Kit gene which is responsible for the functions of the Kit receptor tyrosine kinase.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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