Optogenetic perturbation of preBötzinger complex inhibitory neurons modulates respiratory pattern.

The authors investigated the role of glycinergic preBotC neurons in respiratory rhythmogenesis in mice using viral delivery of Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) or Archaerhodopsin (Arch) genes. They conclude that glycinergic preBotC neurons modulate inspiratory pattern and are important for reflex apneas but that the rhythm can persist after significant dampening of their activity.