Systemic 8-OH-DPAT challenge causes hyperventilation largely via activating pre-botzinger complex 5-HT1A receptors

•Activation of PBC 5-HT1A receptors induces tachypnea via disinhibition of local GABAA neurons; however, the role of these receptors in the respiratory response to systemic 8-OH-DPAT challenge is unclear.•Microinjections of (S)-WAY-100135 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) or gabazine (a GABAA receptor antagonist) into the PBC attenuated the 8-OH-DPAT-induced hyperventilation by ˜60 %, respectively, in anesthetized rats.•Our data suggest that PBC 5-HT1A receptors play a key role in the respiratory response to systemic 8-OH-DPAT challenge via disinhibiting local GABAergic neurons.