Neurotoxicity of prenatal alcohol exposure on medullary pre-Bötzinger complex neurons in neonatal rats.

Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts the development of normal fetal respiratory function, but whether it perturbs respiratory rhythmical discharge activity is unclear. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is involved in the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In the present study, pregnant female rats received drinking water containing alcohol at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8% or 10% (v/v) throughout the gestation period.

[Effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on rhythmic respiratory discharge activity in medullary slices of neonatal rats].

Objective: To investigate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on rhythmic respiratory discharge activity (RRDA) in the medullary slices of neonatal rats.

Methods: Ten pregnant female SD rats were exposed to 0, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% alcohol in drinking water from 1 week before till 3 days after delivery. The medullary slices of the neonatal rats containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) with the hypoglossal nerve rootlets were prepared and perfused with modified Kreb's solution to record RRDA from the hypoglossal nerve rootlets using suction electrodes.

2-Cyano-N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl-idene]acetohydrazide.

In the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(4)O, the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and the -C=O(CH(2))CN group is 24.08 (12)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops.

[Histamine H1 receptors modulate the discharge activities of inspiratory neurons in the medial region of neonatal rat nucleus retrofacialis ex vivo].

Objective: To investigate the role of histamine H1 receptors in modulating the discharge activities of the inspiratory neurons in the nucleus retrofacialis of neonatal rats.

Methods: Brainstem slices were obtained from neonatal rats containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) with the hypoglossal nerve (XII nerve) rootlets retained. The rhythmic discharges of the inspiratory neurons (I neurons) and activities of the XII nerve rootlets were simultaneously recorded using microelectrodes and suction electrodes, respectively.

[Glycine is involved in the modulation of respiratory rhythmical discharge activity in neonatal rat medullary brain slices].

Objective: To determine the role of glycine (Gly) in the generation and modulation of basic respiratory rhythm.

Methods: Neonatal (0-3 days) SD rats of either sex were used in this study. The medulla oblongata brain slice containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) and the hypoglossal nerve rootlets was prepared, and the surgical procedure was performed in the modified Kreb's solution (MKS) with continuous carbogen (95% O(2) and 5% CO(2)) within 3 min.

[Role of histamine H(1) and H(2) receptors in the modulation of respiratory rhythmical discharge in medulla oblongata slice preparation of neonatal rats].

The present study was carried out to determine the role of histamine H(1) and H(2) receptors in the generation of basic respiratory rhythm. Neonatal (aged 0-3 d) Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex were used. The medulla oblongata slice containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) and the hypoglossal nerve rootlets was prepared and the surgical procedure was performed in the modified Kreb's solution (MKS) with continuous carbogen (95% O(2) and 5% CO(2)), and ended in 3 min.

[Role of 5-HT(2A) receptor in increase in respiratory-related rhythmic discharge activity by nikethamide in neonatal rat transverse medullary slices].

To investigate the effects of nikethamide on the generation and modulation of rhythmic respiration of neonatal rats and the role of 5-HT(2A) receptor in this course, experiments were performed on the transverse medullary slices of neonatal rats (both sexes, 1-3 d) in vitro. The slices containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis (mNRF) with the hypoglossal nerve rootlets were prepared in which the respiratory-related rhythmic discharge activity (RRDA) was recorded from the hypoglossal nerve rootlets by suction electrode. The possible role of nikethamide on RRDA was investigated by administration of an agonist of 5-HT(2A) receptor, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), and an antagonist of 5-HT(2A) receptor, ketanserine, dissolved in modified Krebos solution (MKS).

[GABA A receptor participates in respiratory enhancement induced by nikethamide in neonatal rats].

Objective: To investigate the role of GABA A receptor in nikethamide-induced respiratory enhancement in the medullary slices of neonatal rats.

Methods: Ex vivo medullary slices of neonatal rats (1 to 3 days old) containing the medial region of the nucleus retrofacialis with the hypoglossal nerve rootlets were prepared and perfused with modified Kreb's solution to record respiration-related rhythmic discharge activity (RRDA) from the hypoglossal nerve rootlets using suction electrodes. Thirty RRDA-positive slices were randomized into 5 equal groups and perfused with nikethamide (at concentrations of 0.