Evidence for an involvement of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in synaptic excitation of phrenic motoneurons in the rabbit.

The action of endogenous excitatory amino acids on phrenic motoneurons was studied in anesthetized, vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated rabbits. The NMDA receptor antagonists APV and ketamine, as well as the non-NMDA receptor antagonists GAMS and DNQX were administered by microinjection into the ventral horn of the spinal segments C3-C5. Injection of each antagonist resulted in a reversible reduction of the phrenic nerve activity. Results suggest an important function of endogenous excitatory amino acids in the excitation of phrenic motoneurons. NMDA as well as non-NMDA receptors are involved. The functional role of both receptor types in bulbospinal neurotransmission is discussed.