Optogenetic fMRI of Pontine Reticular Nucleus for Mapping Respiratory Networks

Motivation: While the role of inhibitory neurons in the pontine reticular nucleus caudalis (PnC) in respiratory control has been identified, its neural network and vascular responses remain unclear. Goal(s): Thus, we aim to investigate the brain network underlying slow breathing induced by inhibitory neuron activity in PnC. Approach: Using optogenetic fMRI, we targeted PnC inhibitory neurons in awake, self-breathing anesthetized and intubated anesthetized mice. Results: Our findings revealed widespread BOLD responses in awake and self-breathing anesthetized conditions, and mapped respiratory-related brain networks under mechanical ventilation with intubation, highlighting the PnC's role in respiratory regulation. Impact: This study introduces a method to distinguish global vascular responses from neural-driven BOLD responses, enabling investigations into respiratory circuits and identifying previously unreported sites involved in respiratory control.