Laser ablation of Dbx1 neurons in the pre-Bötzinger complex stops inspiratory rhythm and impairs output in neonatal mice

Our first breath, moments after we are born, is the result of a pattern of activity in our brain that started in the embryo and will continue almost effortlessly until we die. Like other rhythmic activities, such as walking and swimming, breathing originates from circuits of neurons in the brain that generate patterns. These circuits pass messages to other cells that translate them into the physical movements required to take a breath. Interrupting these patterns by injury or illness can lead to breathing disorders or cause death. Previous studies have identified a class of neuron, which all express a specific gene, that is necessary for breathing. Mice born without this class of cell failed to ever take a breath and died at birth. These neurons are found in part of the brainstem and can continue to generate rhythm even when this section of the brainstem is removed from newborn mice and cut into very thin slices. However, it is unclear how many of these neurons are needed to maintain a breathing rhythm. Wang et al. used a laser to destroy the breathing rhythm-generating neurons in these slices one at a time and found that the rhythm of breathing in (i.e., inspiration) stopped after ∼15% of the neurons were destroyed. This suggests that a high percentage of these neurons must be maintained for breathing to continue normally. Wang et al. also discovered that destroying the rhythm-generating neurons reduced the strength of the signals sent from the brainstem to trigger the movements that cause breathing in. This suggests that the same class of neurons also sends messages to the muscles involved in breathing; it was previously thought that a separate class of cell in the same part of the brain sent these messages. Studies involving live animals are now needed to confirm the results. If confirmed, the findings may be used to develop new treatments for a number of breathing disorders. Medications that boost the signals sent to the muscles by these neurons might be useful for treating sleep apnea. Wang et al. also suggest that medications that boost rhythm generation might be useful for premature infants with breathing difficulties and people with drug-induced breathing problems. Moreover, finding ways to maintain breathing rhythms with fewer of these neurons may help those with neurodegenerative disorders, which cause cells in the brain to be lost.