CENTRAL DOPAMINERGIC MODULATION OF THE RESPIRATORY CONTROL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Rats treated neonatally with intracisternal (i.c.) 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or control rats were lightly anesthetized with halothane and placed in a closed body plethysmograph. Rats treated with 6-OHDA had a decreased basal respiratory frequency and a greater apomorphine-induced elevation in the respiratory rate. Moreover the tidal volume response to CO 2 exposure was also greater than in control rats. It is concluded that central catecholaminergic neurons are involved in the respiratory control system.