Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

CO2/pH Signaling of Respiratory Control Neurons in the Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus: Development of a Comparative Model

Santin, Joseph M

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, Biological Sciences.
The locus coeruleus (LC) in the brainstem senses alterations in CO2/pH and influences ventilatory adjustments that restore blood gas values to starting levels in bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). We hypothesized that neurons of the bullfrog LC are sensitive to changes in CO2/pH and that chemosensitive responses are intrinsic to individual neurons. In addition, we hypothesized putative respiratory control neurons of the bullfrog LC would be stimulated by hypercapnic acidosis within physiological ranges of PCO2/pH. 84% of LC neurons depolarized and increased firing rates during exposure to hypercapnic acidosis (HA). A pH dose response curve shows LC neurons from bullfrogs increase firing rates during physiologically relevant CO2/pH changes. With chemical synapses blocked, half of chemosensitive neurons lost sensitivity to HA; however, gap junction blockade did not alter chemosensitive responses. Intrinsically chemosensitive neurons increased input resistance during HA. These data demonstrate that the majority of neurons within the bullfrog LC elicit robust firing responses during physiological CO2/pH, likely enabling adjustment of acid–base balance through breathing.
Lynn Hartzler, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Robert Putnam, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
David Goldstein, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
77 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Santin, J. M. (2013). CO2/pH Signaling of Respiratory Control Neurons in the Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus: Development of a Comparative Model [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1369304052

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Santin, Joseph. CO2/pH Signaling of Respiratory Control Neurons in the Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus: Development of a Comparative Model . 2013. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1369304052.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Santin, Joseph. "CO2/pH Signaling of Respiratory Control Neurons in the Bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus: Development of a Comparative Model ." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1369304052

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)