Theoretical and experimental studies of the mammalian respiratory rhythm generator: the kernel of the respiratory neural control system

The pacemaking kernel generating the respiratory rhythm in mammals is hypothesized to be a subnetwork of pacemaker neurons with intrinsic voltage-dependent bursting properties in the pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) [J.C. Smith et al., 1991]. An in vitro transverse slice preparation has been developed that captures this kernel and continues to be rhythmically active, allowing respiratory rhythm generation to be studied at the cellular level. The authors have used complementary experimental and computational modeling approaches to investigate the cellular and synaptic components underlying rhythm generation in the pre-BotC of slices. These approaches have supported the pacemaker-network hypothesis for the rhythm generator and provide the basis for development of a more complete model of the mammalian respiratory control system.