Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

The pre-Bötzinger oscillator in the mouse embryo.

Borday C, Vias C, Autran S, Thoby-Brisson M, Champagnat J, Fortin G

Neurobiologie Génétique et Intégrative, Institut de Neurobiologie Alfred Fessard, CNRS, 1 av. de la terrasse, 91198 Gif sur Yvette, France.

Studies of the sites and mechanisms involved in mammalian respiratory rhythm generation point to two clusters of rhythmic neurons forming a coupled oscillator network within the brainstem. The location of these oscillators, the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) at vagal level, and the para-facial respiratory group at facial level, probably result from regional patterning schemes specifying neural types in the hindbrain during embryogenesis. Here, we report evidence that the preBötC oscillator (i) is first active at embryonic stages, (ii) originates in the post-otic hindbrain neural tube and (iii) requires the glutamate vesicular transporter 2 for rhythm generation.

Published 13 July 2007 in J Physiol Paris.
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