Souza GMPR, Abbott SBG (2024) Loss-of-function of chemoreceptor neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus: What have we learned from it?. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 322:104217. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104217 PMID: 38237884
Objective: To discuss the current definition of chemoreceptor neurons in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) and describe how this definition has evolved over time.
Summary: Studies offer evidence that RTN neurons are indispensable for the central respiratory chemoreflex in mammals and exert a tonic drive to breathe at rest. Moreover, RTN has an interdependent relationship with oxygen sensing mechanisms for the maintenance of the neural drive to breathe and blood gas homeostasis. Collectively, RTN neurons are a genetically-defined group of putative central respiratory chemoreceptors that generate CO2-dependent drive that supports eupneic breathing and stimulates the hypercapnic ventilatory reflex.
Usage: One widely adopted approach to eliminate RTN neurons utilizes local microinjections of the ribosomal-toxin Saporin conjugated to the analogue of substance-P (SSP-SAP),which results in cell death of neurokinin receptor 1-expressing neurons in a concentration-dependent manner.
Related Products: SSP-SAP (Cat. #IT-11)
See Also:
- Nattie EE et al. Substance P-saporin lesion of neurons with NK1 receptors in one chemoreceptor site in rats decreases ventilation and chemosensitivity. J Physiol 544(Pt 2):603-616, 2002.
- Souza GMPR et al. Breathing regulation and blood gas homeostasis after near complete lesions of the retrotrapezoid nucleus in adult rats. J Physiol 596(13):2521-2545, 2018.
- Takakura AC et al. Phox2b-expressing retrotrapezoid neurons and the integration of central and peripheral chemosensory control of breathing in conscious rats. Exp Physiol 99(3):571-585, 2014.
- Takakura AC et al. Selective lesion of retrotrapezoid Phox2b-expressing neurons raises the apneic threshold in rats. J Physiol 586:2975-2991, 2008.