The respiratory role of GABA(A), GABA(B) and glycine receptors within the Bötzinger complex (BötC) and the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC) was investigated in alpha-chloralose-urethane anesthetized, vagotomized, paralysed and artificially ventilated rabbits by using bilateral microinjections (30-50 nl) of GABA and glycine receptor agonists and antagonists. GABA(A) receptor blockade by bicuculline (5mM) or gabazine (2mM) within the BötC induced strong depression of respiratory activity up to apnea. The latter was reversed by hypercapnia. Glycine receptor blockade by strychnine (5mM) within the BötC decreased the frequency and amplitude of phrenic bursts. Bicuculline microinjections into the preBötC caused decreases in respiratory frequency and the appearance of two alternating different levels of peak phrenic activity. Strychnine microinjections into the preBötC increased respiratory frequency and decreased peak phrenic amplitude. GABA(A), but not glycine receptor antagonism within the preBötC restored respiratory rhythmicity during apnea due to bicuculline or gabazine applied to the BötC. GABA(B) receptor blockade by CGP-35348 (50mM) within the BötC and the preBötC did not affect baseline respiratory activity, though microinjections of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (1mM) into the same regions altered respiratory activity. The results show that only GABA(A) and glycine receptors within the BötC and the preBötC mediate a potent control on both the intensity and frequency of inspiratory activity during eupneic breathing. This study is the first to provide evidence that these inhibitory receptors have a respiratory function within the BötC.
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