Role of the pontine respiratory group in the suppression of cough by codeine in cats

Codeine was microinjected into the area of the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus and the adjacent lateral parabrachial nucleus, within the pontine respiratory group in 8 anesthetized cats. Electromyograms (EMGs) of the diaphragm (DIA) and abdominal muscles (ABD), esophageal pressures (EP), and blood pressure were recorded and analyzed during mechanically induced tracheobronchial cough. Unilateral microinjections of 3.3 mM codeine (3 injections, each 37 ± 1.2 nl) had no significant effect on the cough number. However, the amplitudes of the cough ABD EMG, expiratory EP and, to a lesser extent, DIA EMG were significantly reduced. There were no significant changes in the temporal parameters of the cough. Control microinjections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid in 6 cats did not show a significant effect on cough data compared to those after codeine microinjections. Codeine-sensitive neurons in the rostral dorsolateral pons contribute to controlling cough motor output, likely through the central pattern generator of cough. •The limited antitussive effect of codeine in the pontine respiratory area•No effect of codeine on the cough number and temporal features was found•Mainly the expiratory component of the cough reflex was decreased•Codeine modulated activity of PRG contribute to control of the cough motor pattern