Silencing preBotzinger Complex somatostatin-expressing neurons induces persistent apnea in awake rat

Delineating neurons that underlie complex behaviors is of fundamental interest. Using adeno-associated virus 2, we expressed the Drosophila allatostatin receptor in somatostatin (Sst)-expressing neurons in the preBotzinger Complex (preBotC). Rapid silencing of these neurons in awake rats induced a persistent apnea without any respiratory movements to rescue their breathing. We hypothesize that breathing requires preBotC Sst neurons and that their sudden depression can lead to serious, even fatal, respiratory failure.