Figure 7.

Stimulation of Phox2b-expressing neurons activates preBötC neurons. A, Effect of Phox2b-expressing NTS neuron activation on neuronal activity of preBötC. The activated preBötC neurons were indicated by immunoreactivity to cFos. Cell counts were made in 5 coronary sections (25 μm thick; 6.72–7.20 mm caudal to bregma) in each hM3Dq-injected mouse treated with either CNO or saline. n = 4 for each group. ***p < 0.001 (unpaired t test). B, Schematic diagram indicating the coronary plane of a preBötC-containing medullary section (∼7 mm caudal to bregma) corresponding to C and D. C, D, Confocal images showing cFos-expressing preBötC neurons in mice treated with saline or CNO. Phox2b staining (red) was performed together with cFos (green) to assist with pinpointing the preBötC. No overlap of cFos and Phox2b was observed in preBötC cells. NA, Nucleus ambiguus. Scale bar, 100 μm.