Research

We seek to elucidate the cellular and synaptic components that produce and modulate motor behaviours. We use the breathing circuit that controls the upper airway to address these research questions.

Breathing continues in the face of all sorts of perturbations including changes in posture when we go to sleep, as we grow and develop, and as our metabolic demand changes (for example, when we exercise). Breathing is also coordinated with other oromotor behaviours such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking. In the Revill Lab, we are particularly interested in how the neurochemicals that modulate neural excitability can influence neuronal behaviour in this network.

The set-up for electrophysiology experiments

Neuromodulation of neural networks

The rhythmic slice produces breathing behaviour which can be influenced by injection of neuromodulators like muscarine

We employ a rhythmic slice preparation for in vitro electrophysiology recordings to test the effects of neuromodulators on breathing behaviour in mice.

Neuroantomical characterization of ion channels and receptors

Immunofluroscence image of the XII nucleus
Investigating muscarinic acetylcholine receptor distribution in XII motoneurons

We use immunofluorescence experiments to determine the distribution of ion channels and receptors across postnatal development in mice.

Funding