Spinal Activation of Serotonin 1A Receptors Enhances Latent Respiratory Activity After Spinal Cord Injury

摘要

Background/Objective:Hemisection of the cervical spinal cord results in paralysis of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. Removal of sensory feedback through cervical dorsal rhizotomy activates latent respiratory motor pathways and restores hemidiaphragm function. Because systemic administration of serotonin 1A receptor (5HT1A) agonists reversed the altered breathing patterns after spinal cord injury (SCI), we predicted that 5HT1A receptor activation after SCI (C2) would activate latent crossed motor pathways. Furthermore, because 5HT1A receptors are heavily localized to dorsal horn neurons, we predicted that spinal administration of 5HT1A agonists should also activate latent motor pathways.