Generation of respiratory rhythm: models and mechanisms

The author has developed a mechanistic computational model of mammalian respiratory rhythm and pattern generation-the hybrid pacemaker-network model-that represents a synthesis of cellular and network mechanisms derived from experimental studies with the mammalian nervous system in vitro and in vivo. This model can theoretically account for rhythm generation in different functional states of the respiratory network, ranging from the most reduced states in neonatal rodent in vitro brainstem slice preparations to the more intact adult system in vivo. The author discusses results of simulation studies and experimental data that support this model.