A model of respiratory rhythm generation

Abstract

A new hypothesis is proposed to explain the generation of respiratory rhythm by the respiratory neurons of the medulla. The basis of the oscillator is a mutual inhibition between early-burst inspiratory, propriobulbar neurons and Bötzinger complex expiratory, bulbospinal neurons, with only the early burst inspiratory neurons possessing adaptive properties. Only one theoretical connection, unsupported by experimental observations, needs to be assumed for this model, that of an inhibitory connection from Bötzinger complex expiratory neurons to early-burst inspiratory neurons. A mathematical simulation of the model was used to test the hypothesis. The oscillating patterns of activity produced by the model were similar to those observed experimentally in these neurons. It is therefore concluded that, based on reasonable assumptions, the proposed hypothesis will produce oscillations similar to those of respiration.