Immunohistochemical localization of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV in the peripheral ganglia and paraganglia of developing and mature rats.

The immunohistochemical localization of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (CaM kinase IV) was examined in rat peripheral ganglia and paraganglia as well as brain. In sensory ganglia including the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, small- to medium-sized neurons were intensely immunoreactive. In the spinal cord, immunoreactive small neurons were seen in superficial laminae of the dorsal horn, whereas motoneurons were immunonegative. In autonomic ganglia including the superior cervical, celiac, and submandibular ganglia, almost all neurons were intensely immunoreactive for CaM kinase IV. In the small intestine, immunoreactive neurons were seen in the submucosal and myenteric ganglia. In all immunoreactive neurons, the immunoreactivity was localized predominantly in cell nuclei, whereas nucleoli and nerve fibers were completely free from immunoreaction. From the wide distribution and predominant nuclear localization of CaM kinase IV, it is suggested that CaM kinase IV might be involved in the modulation of gene transcription through the nuclear Ca(2+)-signaling in the peripheral as well as central nervous system.