Serotonin and the control of eupneic breathing

Abstract

The mechanisms responsible for respiratory rhythm and pattern generation are continuously tuned by neuromodulators. Serotonin is a powerful modulator of the respiratory network that regulates synaptic and intrinsic properties of respiratory neurons that, in turn, may differentially affect the frequency and amplitude of respiratory activity. Serotonin is also required for central respiratory chemoreception and the development of some forms of respiratory neuroplasticity. Because of the complexity of serotoninergic system (excitatory and inhibitory actions) and the diversity of respiratory neurons that express serotoninergic receptors, several questions about the action mechanisms of serotonin in the respiratory network remain unanswered. However, studies showing that disruption of serotoninergic control of respiratory network causes respiratory instability or disease, support the notion that this neuromodulator is necessary for the control of eupneic breathing.