Atypical PKC isoforms are expressed in regions of interest to respiratory motor control

Abstract

Atypical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms play important roles in many neural processes, including synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative disease. However, the role of atypical PKCs in respiratory motor control has not been explored. Since preliminary data from our laboratory suggest that atypical PKC inhibition alters respiratory nerve activity in anesthetized rats, we explored the neuroanatomical distribution of atypical PKCs in brainstem and spinal cord regions known to play critical roles in respiratory control. Specific areas examined include neurons associated with: rhythm generation (preBötzinger Complex), pattern formation (Bötzinger Complex, ventral respiratory group), chemosensitivity (retrotrapezoid nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarius), and respiratory motor nuclei (phrenic and hypoglossal). Brainstem and spinal cords from perfused Lewis rats were sectioned (40μm slices) and stained with an antibody targeting the C‐terminus of atypical PKCs. Results: atypical PKCs are expressed in phrenic and hypoglossal motoneurons, nucleus tractus solitarius, and the Bötzinger complex. Identifying the neuroanatomical distribution of atypical PKCs in regions critical for respiratory motor control is a first step towards understanding their potential role in the control of breathing (Supported by NIH HL 80209).Grant Funding SourceNIH HL 80209