Role of GABAA Receptors of Parafacial Respiratory Group in Control of Respiration in Rats

Abstract

The role of GABAergic inhibition in the regulation of activity of the parafacial respiratory group was studied on narcotized mature rats. Microinjections of GABA_A agonist muscimol into the parafacial respiratory group inhibited external respiration and bioelectrical activity of the diaphragmatic muscle resulting in diminished tidal volume and decreased respiration rate accompanied by prolonged inspiration, expiration, and intervals between the inspiratory bursts in the phrenic electromyogram. In contrast, microinjections of GABA_A antagonist bicuculline into this group stimulated respiration and markedly increased its volumetric parameters. In addition, blockade of GABA_A receptors affected the expiratory phase and interburst intervals in the phrenic electromyogram, but produced no effect on respiration rate. These findings attested to contribution of GABA_A-mediated inhibition into the performance of parafacial respiratory group. The study revealed different roles of GABA_A receptors in modulation of the mechanisms of respiration rate control in mature rats and formation of inspiratory motor outputs originating from the parafacial respiratory group.