Fig. 3.

ACE2 is highly expressed in nuclei of the brainstem respiratory network. A: Schematic representation of the pontomedullary nuclei involved in breathing control, where high numbers of ACE2 expressing non-endothelial cells were found. B-F: High power confocal photomicrographs of the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), the nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS), retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC), and Bötzinger complex (BötC). Inset in panel E shows the colocalization of the glycine transporter 2 in glycinergic neurons of the pre-BötC. Arrows in all panels indicate some of the observed ACE2 positive cells.