Respiratory frequency plasticity during development

Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2019 Aug:266:54-65. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2019.04.014. Epub 2019 May 3.

Abstract

Respiratory frequency plasticity is a long-lasting increase in breathing frequency due to a perturbation. Mechanisms underlying respiratory frequency are poorly understood, and there is little evidence of frequency plasticity in neonates. This hybrid review/research article discusses available literature regarding frequency plasticity and highlights potential research opportunities. Also, we include data demonstrating a model of frequency plasticity using isolated neonatal rat brainstem-spinal cord preparations. Specifically, substance P (SubP) application induced a long-lasting (>60 min) increase in spontaneous respiratory motor burst frequency, particularly in brainstem-spinal cords with the pons attached; there were no male/female differences. SubP-induced frequency plasticity is dependent on the application pattern, such that intermittent (rather than sustained) SubP applications induce more frequency plasticity. SubP-induced frequency plasticity was blocked by a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist. Thus, the newborn rat respiratory control system has the capacity to express frequency plasticity. Identifying mechanisms that induce frequency plasticity may lead to novel methods to safely treat breathing disorders in premature and newborn infants.

Keywords: Brain stem; Development; Frequency plasticity; Neonatal; Neuroplasticity; Respiratory; Spinal cord; Substance P.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Brain Stem / drug effects
  • Brain Stem / physiology*
  • Growth and Development / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Respiratory Rate / drug effects
  • Respiratory Rate / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord / drug effects
  • Spinal Cord / physiology*
  • Substance P / drug effects
  • Substance P / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Substance P