V2a neurons restore diaphragm function in mice following spinal cord injury

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313594121
• Publication Date: 2024-03-05T18:46:23Z
• Authors: Victoria N. Jensen; Emily E. Huffman; Frank L. Jalufka; Anna L. Pritchard; Sarah Baumgartner; Ian Walling; Holly C. Gibbs; Dylan A. McCreedy; Warren J. Alilain; Steven A. Crone
• Keywords: Tonic (physiology); Phrenic nerve; Diaphragm (acoustics); Bursting

The specific roles that different types of neurons play in recovery from injury is poorly understood. Here, we show increasing the excitability ipsilaterally projecting, excitatory V2a using designer receptors exclusively activated by drugs (DREADDs) restores rhythmic bursting activity to a previously paralyzed diaphragm within hours, days, or weeks following C2 hemisection injury. Further, decreasing impairs tonic after as well activation inspiratory chemosensory stimulation, but does not impact breathing at rest healthy animals. By examining patterns muscle produced modulating neurons, provide evidence supply drive phrenic circuits rather than increase level brainstem. Our results demonstrate class contribute respiratory function We propose altering potential strategy prevent motor failure and promote spinal cord