The Neuronal Mechanisms of Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression

The KF contains neurons that fired during inspiration and expiration as well as different phases within those two groups. opioids can inhibit this specific excitatory pathway from the KF to the pre-buttinger complex and the RBRG in at least three different ways, involving both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms. We are also interested in understanding the respiratory phenotype of the KF neurons that were sensitive to opioids.