Vagal Sensory Neuron Subtypes that Differentially Control Breathing

Summary & key facts

Researchers studied mouse vagus nerve cells and found two small, separate groups of sensory neurons (called P2ry1 and Npy2r). Each group has only a few hundred neurons and sends dense branches into the lung but to different brainstem areas. Using optogenetics (light to activate chosen neurons), turning on P2ry1 neurons quickly shut down breathing and locked the animals in exhalation. Turning on Npy2r neurons made breathing faster and shallower. The P2ry1 effect did not change heart rate or stomach (gastric) pressure in these experiments. These results come from controlled experiments in mice.

Key facts:

• The study identified two distinct vagal sensory neuron groups in mice named P2ry1 and Npy2r.
• Each of the P2ry1 and Npy2r neuron groups consists of only a few hundred neurons that densely innervate the lung.
• P2ry1 neurons are mostly fast-conducting A fibers and make contacts with pulmonary neuroepithelial bodies (lung endocrine cells).
• Npy2r neurons are largely slow-conducting C fibers.
• Researchers used optogenetics (light-activated channels) to stimulate these neurons. Activating P2ry1 neurons acutely silenced respiration and trapped mice in exhalation.
• Activating Npy2r neurons caused rapid, shallow breathing in mice.
• Optogenetic activation of P2ry1 neurons did not affect heart rate or gastric pressure in the experiments reported.

Abstract

Breathing is essential for survival and under precise neural control. The vagus nerve is a major conduit between lung and brain required for normal respiration. Here, we identify two populations of mouse vagus nerve afferents (P2ry1, Npy2r), each a few hundred neurons, that exert powerful and opposi …

Topics

Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior Neuroscience of respiration and sleep Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research

Categories

Endocrine and Autonomic Systems Life Sciences Neuroscience

Tags

Anatomy Biology Brainstem Breathing Neuron Neuroscience Optogenetics Sensory system Stimulation Vagus nerve