Vagal Sensory Neuron Subtypes that Differentially Control Breathing

Summary & key facts

Scientists studied two small groups of nerve cells in the vagus nerve of mice that send information from the lung to the brain. They used genetic labels and light to map and activate each group. Turning on one group, called P2ry1, stopped breathing and kept the animals exhaling. Turning on the other group, called Npy2r, made breathing faster and shallower. The two groups connect to different parts of the brainstem and to different structures in the lung. The work shows that a few hundred sensory neurons in the vagus nerve can have very different and strong effects on breathing. These results are from experiments in mice using artificial light activation, so we cannot assume the same exact ef

Key facts:

• The researchers found two distinct types of vagus nerve sensory neurons in mice, named P2ry1 and Npy2r.
• Each neuron type includes only a few hundred cells, but they have strong effects on breathing when activated.
• P2ry1 neurons are mostly fast-signaling fibers that touch special lung cells called neuroepithelial bodies. Activating these neurons with light shut down breathing and trapped the animals in an exhaled state.
• Npy2r neurons are mostly slow-signaling fibers. Activating them with light caused quick, shallow breathing.
• The two neuron types send signals to different targets in the brainstem and form separate, identifiable circuits.
• Activating P2ry1 neurons did not change heart rate or stomach pressure, suggesting their effect was specific to breathing under the test conditions.
• All experiments were done in mice and used a method that turns neurons on with light, so the results show what happens when these cells are strongly and directly activated, not necessarily how they act during normal life.

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