Figure 3.
INaP at the preBötC modulates respiratory rhythm. A–C, Unilateral microperfusion of the INaP blocker riluzole (50 μm) into the preBötC decreased respiratory rhythm (n = 6) in the anesthetized adult rat in vivo (arrow shows perfusion site). D–F, Mean values showed that riluzole significantly reduced respiratory frequency, increased respiratory variability, without significantly affecting diaphragm amplitude. This effect was reversed by washout of drugs with aCSF. G, Cycle-by-cycle variability estimated by Poincare plots revealed that riluzole increased short-term cycle variability. Values are shown as means ±SEM. *Indicates mean values significantly different from aCSF conditions with p < 0.05.