In:
The Journal of Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience, Vol. 29, No. 9 ( 2009-03-04), p. 2984-2996
Abstract:
Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) is a neural adhesion molecule that plays diverse roles in neural development. We disrupted the Dscam locus in mice and found that the null mutants ( Dscam −/− ) died within 24 h after birth. Whole-body plethysmography showed irregular respiration and lower ventilatory response to hypercapnia in the null mutants. Furthermore, a medulla–spinal cord preparation of Dscam −/− mice showed that the C4 ventral root activity, which drives diaphragm contraction for inspiration, had an irregular rhythm with frequent apneas. Optical imaging of the preparation using voltage-sensitive dye revealed that the pre-inspiratory neurons located in the rostral ventrolateral medulla and belonging to the rhythm generator for respiration, lost their synchroneity in Dscam −/− mice. Dscam +/− mice, which survived to adulthood without any overt abnormalities, also showed irregular respiration but milder than Dscam −/− mice. These results suggest that DSCAM plays a critical role in central respiratory regulation in a dosage-dependent manner.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0270-6474
,
1529-2401
DOI:
10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3624-08.2009
Language:
English
Publisher:
Society for Neuroscience
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475274-8
SSG:
12
