Phrenic stimulation decreases brain injury biomarkers in sedated mechanically ventilated patients: preliminary observations

Astrocytes assist in modulating the breathing cycle.Mechanically ventilated sedated patients have their respiratory drive suppressed, which may affect astrocytes' function.This pilot study showed that phrenic nerve stimulation may protect astrocyte function and activity, maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier in these patients.Neural control of respiratory rhythm is a complicated process controlled by both neuron and glia cells across subcortical and cortical networks, sending rhythmic or non-rhythmic inputs to respiratory motoneurons in the spinal cord [1].Glial cells, specifically astrocytes, also play a major role in controlling blood-brain barrier permeability, acting as "the brain's gatekeepers" [1].Cervical