Roles of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Prebötzinger Complex Circuits in Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression.

We will identify the role of GABAergic and glutamatergic preBötC cells in coordinating respiratory rhythm in preBötC cells and whether GABAergic cells contribute to respiratory depression by opioid drugs. Understanding the role of the populations of cells involved in respiratory depression by opioid drugs is critical to identify new molecular targets to reduce respiratory depression and provide safe and reliable pain killers without the risks associated with opioid pain killers.