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Chapter 143 - Modeling the Autonomic Nervous System
Book chapter

Chapter 143 - Modeling the Autonomic Nervous System

Ilya A. Rybak, Yaroslav I. Molkov, Julian F.R. Paton, Ana P.L. Abdala and Daniel B. Zoccal
Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System, pp 681-687
2012

Abstract

A large-scale computational model of the brainstem sympatho-respiratory network has been developed to simulate the respiratory and sympathetic neural circuits interacting within the brainstem. The sympathetic circuits in the model include neurons located in the rostral (RVLM) and caudal (CVLM) ventrolateral medulla (VLM). Specifically, the RVLM neurons define the activity in the thoracic sympathetic nerve (tSN). The model also incorporates a compartment known as the retrotrapezoid nucleus or parafacial respiratory group (RTN/pFRG), containing neurons performing central chemoreceptor function whose activity is sensitive to carbon dioxide. The baroreceptor reflex is an important negative feedback mechanism controlling sympathetic outflow. At rest, the tSN activity typically exhibits a well expressed positive modulation during inspiration and a negative modulation during postinspiration. Removing the pontine compartment in the model converts the normal eupnea-like respiratory pattern to the apneustic pattern characterized by prolonged PN busts. Recurrent episodes of hypoxia, such as observed in obstructive sleep apnea lead to the development of hypertension.

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