Divergent receptor utilization is necessary for phrenic long-term facilitation over the course of motor neuron loss following CTB-SAP intrapleural injections

Abstract

The current study investigates underlying receptor-dependent mechanisms contributing to phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) following CTB-SAP-induced respiratory motor neuron death at 7 days and 28 day. We found that A2A receptors are required for enhanced pLTF in 7-day CTB-SAP rats, whereas 5-HT receptors are required for moderate pLTF in 28-day CTB-SAP rats. Targeting these time-dependent mechanisms have implications for breathing maintenance over the course of many neuromuscular diseases.