Aggregates of cAMP-dependent kinase RIalpha characterize a type of cholinergic neurons in the rat brain

Acetylcholine is synthesized by different types of neurons, showing a distinct biochemical phenotype. Aggregates of RIalpha regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinases are visualized by immunohistochemistry only in some cholinergic neurons, since they tightly colocalize with two different markers, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). These neurons are present mainly in brain areas related to the limbic system. None of the other regulatory subunits of cAMP dependent kinases colocalize with cholinergic markers.