Possible role of retrotrapezoid nucleus and parapyramidal area in the respiratory response to anoxia: an in vitro study in neonatal rat

The brainstem-spinal cord preparation from neonatal rat has been used in se veral reports to evaluate the central effect of low oxygen level on the res piratory network. We demonstrate that bilateral lesion of retrotrapezoid nu cleus and parapyramidal area unmasks an early reinforcement of the respirat ory output in response to anoxia. This suggests that neurons in both areas might trigger or relay a central depressive influence of hypoxia on the res piratory network. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science ireland Ltd.