Authors

Niebert, M., Vogelgesang, S., Koch, U. R., Bischoff, A. M., Kron, M., Bock, N., & Manzke, T.

Affiliations

Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Georg-August-University of Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany, German Research Council Research Centre for Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Gottingen, Germany, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Georg-August-University of Gottingen, Gottingen, Germany.

Application Area

Electrophysiology

Calcium Imaging

Abstract

Neurons of the respiratory network in the lower brainstem express a variety of serotonin receptors (5-HTRs) that act primarily through adenylyl cyclase. However, there is one receptor family including 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B), and 5-HT(2C) receptors that are directed towards protein kinase C (PKC). In contrast to 5-HT(2A)Rs, expression and function of 5-HT(2B)Rs within the respiratory network are still unclear. 5-HT(2B)R utilizes a Gq-mediated signalling cascade involving calcium and leading to activation of phospholipase C and IP3/DAG pathways. Based on previous studies, this signal pathway appears to mediate excitatory actions on respiration. In the present study, we analysed receptor expression in pontine and medullary regions of the respiratory network both at the transcriptional and translational level using quantitative RT-PCR and self-made as well as commercially available antibodies, respectively. In addition we measured effects of selective agonists and antagonists for 5-HT(2A)Rs and 5-HT(2B)Rs given intra-arterially on phrenic nerve discharges in juvenile rats using the perfused brainstem preparation. The drugs caused significant changes in discharge activity. Co-administration of both agonists revealed a dominance of the 5-HT(2B)R. Given the nature of the signalling pathways, we investigated whether intracellular calcium may explain effects observed in the respiratory network. Taken together, the results of this study suggest a significant role of both receptors in respiratory network modulation.

Extract

… “Olympus microscope (IX71) with appropriate filters (515 nm beam splitter and a 535/50 band-pass filter) and a triggered LED light source (PreciseExcite, CoolLED) with 465 nm excitation. Images”…

Product Associated Features

pE-100: A range of compact, simple-to-use, single wavelength illumination systems for screening fluorescence.

Product Type

pE-100

Journal

PloS one

Year of Publication

2011

Country of Publication

Germany