Newborn rats contain extensive anatomical connections among chemosensitive brainstem regions.
Connections between cNTS and LC can carry functional information about changes in CO2/H+.
Highly specialized LC neurons are the ones with afferent projections to the cNTS.
The central respiratory network develops as early as the first week or two of the neonatal period.
Connections between cNTS and LC in neonatal rats suggest early pathways for memory consolidation.