Serotonin receptor 1A-modulated phosphorylation of glycine receptor alpha 3 controls breathing in mice

Rhythmic breathing movements originate from a dispersed neuronal network in the medulla and pons. Here, we demonstrate that rhythmic activity of this respiratory network is affected by the phosphorylation status of the inhibitory glycine receptor alpha 3 subtype (GlyR alpha 3), which controls glutamatergic and glycinergic neuronal discharges, subject to serotonergic modulation. Serotonin receptor type 1A-specific (5-HTR(1A)-specific) modulation directly induced dephosphorylation of GlyR alpha 3 receptors, which augmented inhibitory glycine-activated chloride currents in HEK293 cells coexpressing 5-HTR(1A) and GlyR alpha 3. The 5-HTR(1A)-GlyR alpha 3 signaling pathway was distinct from opioid receptor signaling and efficiently counteracted opioid-induced depression of breathing and consequential apnea in mice. Paradoxically, this rescue of breathing originated from enhanced glycinergic synaptic inhibition of glutamatergic and glycinergic neurons and caused disinhibition of their target neurons. Together, these effects changed respiratory phase alternations and ensured rhythmic breathing in vivo. GlyR alpha 3-deficient mice had an irregular respiratory rhythm under baseline conditions, and systemic 5-HTR(1A) activation failed to remedy opioid-induced respiratory depression in these mice. Delineation of this 5-HTR(1A)-GlyR alpha 3 signaling pathway offers a mechanistic basis for pharmacological treatment of opioid-induced apnea and other breathing disturbances caused by disorders of inhibitory synaptic transmission, such as hyperekplexia, hypoxia/ischemia, and brainstem infarction.