塔里木兔与家兔胰腺水通道蛋白表达的比较

通过检测塔里木兔（Lepus yarcandensis）胰腺中水通道蛋白（aquaporin,AQP）1和4的表达及分布情况,以探讨水通道蛋白在塔里木兔适应干旱缺水环境中的作用。采用常规 H.E染色观察塔里木兔胰腺组织学结构,采用免疫组织化学法检测AQP1和AQP4在胰腺中的分布位置及表达,并与家兔（Oryctolagus curiculus）进行比较。结果显示,AQP1在胰腺微血管内皮细胞、血细胞、泡心细胞和小叶内导管上皮细胞均有表达;AQP4在小叶间导管基底膜和胰岛细胞膜上有表达。与家兔相比,AQP1 在塔里木兔胰腺外分泌部的表达较弱,而在小叶内导管的表达较强;AQP4在塔里木兔胰腺内分泌部的表达较低。以上结果说明,AQP1在塔里木兔胰腺小叶内导管的表达上调,推测可能加强了浓缩胰液的能力,以尽量保住体内的水分,这是塔里木兔对干旱缺水环境的适应性调节。与家兔相比,塔里木兔胰腺AQP1和AQP4的表达均较低,说明塔里木兔胰腺水液代谢能力比家兔低,这可能与塔里木兔所食食物营养匮乏有关。     

水通道蛋白在塔里木兔肺组织中的表达和作用

通过检测塔里木兔Lepus yarcandensis肺脏中水通道蛋白(aquaporin,AQP)1、AQP3及AQP4的表达和分布情况,以探讨水通道蛋白在干旱区动物水液代谢中的作用。采用常规HE染色观察肺组织学结构,采用免疫组织化学检测AQP1、AQP3及AQP4在肺脏中的分布位置及表达。结果表明,AQP1分布在支气管上皮细胞,肺泡间质毛细血管内皮细胞以及肺泡上皮(Ⅰ、Ⅱ型)细胞。AQP3分布在小气管上皮顶质膜和大气道上皮细胞基底膜。AQP4分布在小气管和大气道上皮细胞基底膜。AQP1、AQP3及AQP4在肺中表达的强弱关系为AQP1>AQP4>AQP3。这些结果说明,水通道蛋白在塔里木兔肺泡腔、肺组织间隙及毛细血管腔之间水的转运中很可能起着很重要的作用。同时对吸入空气的湿润和呼出气体中水分的重吸收也具有重要意义。     

塔里木兔和家兔的消化酶活性比较研究

为比较塔里木兔(Lepus yarcandensis)和家兔（Oryctolagus curiculus）消化能力的差异,探索塔里木兔对野外生存环境的食物的适应机制,以家兔为对照,测定了塔里木兔和家兔的胰腺及肠道的消化酶—淀粉酶（碘-淀粉比色法）、纤维素酶（3,5-二硝基水杨酸法）、脂肪酶（比浊法）及胰蛋白酶（紫外线吸收法）的活性。用 SPSS 15.0 软件对实验数据进行统计学分析。结果表明：1）塔里木兔肠道的淀粉酶活性明显高于家兔。其中,塔里木兔十二指肠、空肠及回肠的淀粉酶活性极显著高于家兔（P ＜ 0.01）。淀粉酶活性在塔里木兔和家兔空肠最高。2）塔里木兔肠道的纤维素酶活性高于家兔。其中,塔里木兔盲肠的纤维素酶活性极显著高于家兔（P ＜ 0.01）,其回肠的纤维素酶活性显著高于家兔（P ＜ 0.05）。纤维素酶活性在塔里木兔和家兔盲肠最高。3）家兔胰腺和肠道的脂肪酶活性明显高于塔里木兔。其中,家兔胰腺、十二指肠、空肠及回肠的脂肪酶活性显著高于塔里木兔（P ＜ 0.05）。与消化道相比,脂肪酶活性在家兔和塔里木兔胰腺最高,肠道中空肠的脂肪酶活性最高。4）家兔胰腺和肠道的胰蛋白酶活性高于塔里木兔。其中,家兔空肠和十二指肠的胰蛋白酶活性显著高于塔里木兔（P ＜ 0.05）。胰蛋白酶活性在家兔和塔里木兔空肠最高。可见,与家兔相比,塔里木兔对淀粉类、纤维类物质有较强的消化能力,对脂肪类的消化能力较弱。其中,淀粉酶活性和纤维素酶活性升高,脂肪酶活性和胰蛋白酶活性降低。这可能是塔里木兔适应贫瘠、匮乏的食物环境的重要原因之一。     

塔里木兔和家兔的消化酶活性比较

为比较塔里木兔(Lepus yarcandensis)和家兔(Oryctolagus curiculus)消化能力的差异,探索塔里木兔对野外生存环境食物的适应机制,测定了塔里木兔和家兔胰腺及肠道的消化酶活性,包括淀粉酶(碘-淀粉比色法)、纤维素酶(3,5-二硝基水杨酸法)、脂肪酶(比浊法)及胰蛋白酶(紫外线吸收法)。用SPSS 15.0软件对实验数据进行统计学分析。采用one-way AVNOVA和多因素方差分析对比分析了塔里木兔和家兔消化酶活性。结果表明:1)塔里木兔肠道的淀粉酶活性明显高于家兔。其中,塔里木兔十二指肠、空肠及回肠的淀粉酶活性极显著高于家兔(P0.01)。淀粉酶活性在塔里木兔和家兔空肠最高。2)塔里木兔肠道的纤维素酶活性高于家兔。其中,塔里木兔盲肠的纤维素酶活性极显著高于家兔(P0.01),其回肠的纤维素酶活性显著高于家兔(P0.05)。纤维素酶活性在塔里木兔和家兔盲肠最高。3)家兔胰腺和肠道的脂肪酶活性明显高于塔里木兔。其中,家兔胰腺、十二指肠、空肠及回肠的脂肪酶活性显著高于塔里木兔(P0.05)。与消化道相比,脂肪酶活性在家兔和塔里木兔胰腺最高,肠道中空肠的脂肪酶活性最高。4)家兔胰腺和肠道的胰蛋白酶活性高于塔里木兔。其中,家兔空肠和十二指肠的胰蛋白酶活性显著高于塔里木兔(P0.05)。胰蛋白酶活性在家兔和塔里木兔空肠最高。可见,与家兔相比,塔里木兔对淀粉类、纤维类物质有较强的消化能力,对脂肪类的消化能力较弱。其中,淀粉酶活性和纤维素酶活性升高,脂肪酶活性和胰蛋白酶活性降低。这可能是塔里木兔适应贫瘠、匮乏的食物环境的重要原因之一。     

肺虚痰阻证模型大鼠肺组织水通道蛋白1 和5 分子表达与补肺化痰方对 其影响*

目的:1)从肺泡上皮水主动转运功能的角度探讨肺虚痰阻证的发生机理。2)通过观察肺虚痰阻证模型的AQP的活性及其相关基因、蛋白的表达和补肺化痰中药复方治疗前、后的对比,观察这一过程中上述指标的变化情况。方法:将雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、中药治疗组。模型组和治疗组造模40天,治疗组在造模26天后,药物灌胃治疗2周。采用组织化学染色法,对大鼠肺进行病理分析;RT-PCR的方法检测大鼠肺组织中AQP1、AQP5基因表达;western blot法检测大鼠肺组织中AQP1、AQP5蛋白水平。结果:1)与正常组相比,模型组局部出现明显炎症反应(P<0.01),治疗组局部炎症反应减轻(P<0.05)。2)mRNA结果显示,AQP1在正常组有表达,在模型组和治疗组未见表达。AQP5模型组与正常组相比,表达量显著增高(P<0.01);治疗组与模型组比较,表达量显著降低(P<0.01),但与正常组无显著差异。3)蛋白水平上,AQP1在模型组和治疗组与正常组相比差异显著(P<0.05),表达下降。AQP5模型组与正常组相比,显著升高(P<0.01);治疗组与模型组比较,显著下调(P<0.05);正常组表达低于治疗组,差异显著(P<0.05)。结论:1)AQP1和5基因及蛋白表达量变化是肺虚痰阻证的病理机制之一。2)补肺化痰中药复方可调节肺虚痰阻证模型大鼠肺组织AQP 5基因及蛋白表达。提示补肺化痰中药复方治疗肺虚痰阻证其作用机制与调节AQP5有关。     

水通道蛋白AQP1,3,4,5在双峰驼肺中的表达

目的研究水通道蛋白AQPs在双峰驼肺中的表达情况,探讨双峰驼适应极干旱荒漠环境的呼吸生理机制。方法运用常规形态学统计方法和石蜡切片HE染色法对双峰驼肺组织形态结构进行统计与分析,免疫组化方法对双峰驼肺中AQPs的表达进行定位分析。结果双峰驼气管长且弯曲,肺较致密且含水量较黄牛高。免疫组化检测显示,在双峰驼肺中有AQP1、AQP3、AQP4和AQP5四种AQPs表达。其中,AQP1主要表达于肺毛细血管网、淋巴管以及气管上皮细胞顶膜面;AQP3主要表达于气管上皮基底细胞质膜上;AQP4主要分布于整个气管上皮杯状细胞基底侧细胞膜和肺泡Ⅱ型上皮细胞;AQP5表达于气管粘膜下腺腺体细胞管腔面和肺泡Ⅰ型上皮细胞膜上。结论呼吸道和肺组织形态学特征表明双峰驼对干旱沙漠环境具有很好的适应性,AQPs在双峰驼肺中的强烈表达,与气道润化、气道水平衡、气道表面液体层、肺内液体转运和肺内水平衡等生理过程有关,为其适应极干旱荒漠环境提供了分子生物学依据。     

脑水肿时紧密连接蛋白occludin及AQP4的表达变化

目的:采用枕大池内注入脂多糖(lipopolysaccharides,LPS)的方法建立大鼠脑水肿模型,观察脑组织病理形态学变化,脑组织含水量(brain water content,BWC),血脑屏障(blood brain barrier,BBB)的紧密连接蛋白Occludin和水通道蛋白-4(aquaporin 4,AQP4)表达水平的动态变化,研究AQP4及Occludin与脑水肿形成的关系,及其可能的作用机制,为临床脑水肿的治疗提供理论依据。方法:选用Wistar健康成年大鼠,随机分为正常对照组,生理盐水组和脂多糖组,后两组的观察时间点选定于造模后3 h、6h、12 h、24 h、72 h。采用经皮穿刺枕大池内注入脂多糖的方法制备脑水肿动物模型,正常对照组、生理盐水组及脂多糖组分别于各时间点进行开颅取脑,测定脑组织含水量,通过HE染色法观察脑组织的病理形态学变化,应用Western blot方法检测occludin的表达变化。应用RT-PCR技术测定脑组织内AQP4mRNA的表达变化。结果:生理盐水组各时间点中有少量AQP4mRNA及occludin蛋白的表达,与正常对照组之间无显著性差异;脂多糖组在造模后3 hAQP4的mRNA表达开始增加,6-12 h达高峰,此后明显下降,随后表达开始减弱,24-72 h表达显著低于生理盐水组;occludin蛋白表达下降出现于造模后3 h,12-24 h下降更明显,72 h表达开始升高。结论:枕大池内注入脂多糖(LPS)所建立脑水肿模型中,脑组织含水量及血脑屏障通透性增加,病理学特点是血管源性脑水肿出现早且持久,后期伴有细胞毒性脑水肿的改变。AQP4早期表达增强是胶质细胞的适应性反应,与血脑屏障的破坏有关,促进了血管源性脑水肿的发生。后期AQP4表达减弱是机体内在防御机制的表现,同时又促进细胞毒性脑水肿的形成。occludin在脑组织中表达量随脑水肿的加重而降低,即与脑水肿的程度呈负相关,目前认为这与脑水肿时内皮细胞通透性增加,血脑屏障的通透性改变,导致occludin的表达下调有关,促进了血管源性脑水肿的发生。针对以上特点,我们可以进一步研究调控AQP4及occludin表达的药物,从而减轻脑损伤后脑水肿的程度,为脑水肿的治疗提供新的临床策略。     

水通道 AQP1 敲除小鼠肿瘤血管生成障碍及肿瘤生长减缓

血管生成是肿瘤生长、浸润和转移的必要步骤. 肿瘤血管生成涉及瘤旁组织血管内皮细胞增殖、向肿瘤细胞团内迁移以及管腔形成,目前机理尚不完全清楚. 水通道 AQP1 在多种肿瘤血管内皮高表达,提示其可能参与肿瘤血管的生成过程. 应用 AQP1 敲除小鼠荷瘤实验证实了 AQP1 在黑色素瘤生长和血管新生中的作用. 结果表明,皮下接种的黑色素瘤在 AQP1 敲除小鼠的生长较之在野生型小鼠延迟近 30％ (P<0.01). 免疫组化与肿 瘤病理形态学分析显示, AQP1 在野生型小鼠黑色素瘤血管内皮细胞上高表达,而在 AQP1 敲除小鼠黑色素瘤血管内皮细胞呈阴性表达. 在病理结构上,黑色素瘤细胞围绕血管分支呈岛状分布. 野生型小鼠黑色素瘤内血管管腔较细小,而 AQP1(－/－)小鼠黑色素瘤内血管床显著膨大. AQP1(－/－)小鼠肿瘤内平均微血管密度 (47/mm²) 较之 AQP1(＋/＋) 肿瘤 (142/mm²) 减少 67％ (P<0.01). 围绕 AQP1(－/－) 肿瘤血管的肿瘤细胞岛周边坏死区域明显大于 AQP1(＋/＋)肿瘤. 上述结果提出确切证据表明, AQP1 缺失使肿瘤血管生成发生障碍,从而影响了肿瘤血液供应和肿瘤生长. AQP1参与肿瘤血管生成的机理值得深入研究.     

水通道蛋白AQP2翻译后修饰及表达调控

AQP2(aquaporin-2)是一种水通道蛋白,表达于集合管的主细胞,其活性主要受抗利尿激素(arginin vasopressin,AVP)调控。AVP调节的AQP2数量和细胞内定位在维持机体水代谢平衡和尿液浓缩中发挥着决定性的作用。AQP2受多种修饰,如磷酸化、泛素化、糖基化等。本文根据最新的文献报道,着重介绍了AQP2翻译后修饰及调控机制。     

水通道蛋白4与脑水肿研究进展

水通道蛋白4(AQP4)是膜水通道蛋白家族的一员,在脑组织中高表达,是控制水进出脑组织的通道。近年来发现,AQP4的功能和表达与脑水肿密切相关。同时脑水肿又是和脑疾病治疗密切相关的病理过程,对两者的研究或许可以为我们带来更多的临床治疗新思路。本文综述了AQP4的结构、表达、调控与功能以及AQP4与脑水肿关系的研究进展。     

塔里木兔肾脏水通道蛋白在适应干旱环境中的作用

We measured the expression of aquaporin (AQP)1 -3 in kidneys of yarkand hares (Lepus yarcandensis )to understand the role of AQPs in adaptation to drought environment. We used H. E staining methods for detecting the histological structure of kidneys,and immunohistochemistry and western blotting for detecting expression of AQP1 - 3 in kidneys,
and also compared the results with those from domestic rabbits. Results showed that AQP1 is localized in capillary endothelial cell cytoplasm in glomeruli,and continued uninterrupted from proximal straight tubules into descending thin limbs in the outer medulla. AQP2 is observed in epithelial cells membrane in collecting ducts. AQP3 is localized in connecting tubules of the cortex and the outer medulla and epithelial cell basal membrane in collecting ducts. The expression of AQP1 -3 in kidneys is greater and the protein content is higher in yarkand hares than in domestic rabbits. These results indicate that the yarkand hare has increased the expression of aquaporins in kidneys,strengthened renal reabsorption of water and the ability for concentrating the urine,improving the ability for adaptation to arid environment.     

Distribution of aquaporin 1 in the rat pancreatic duct system examined with light- and electron-microscopic immunohistochemistry

The pancreatic duct is the major site for the secretion of pancreatic fluid, but the pathway of water transport in this system is not known. Recently, intense signal for mRNA of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) water channels was detected in isolated rat interlobular ducts. Therefore, we performed light- and electron-microscopic (EM) immunohistochemistry for AQP1 in the rat pancreatic ducts. AQP1 immunoproducts were not observed in the acinar cells, centroacinar cells or intercalated ducts. In the smaller intralobular ducts less than 10 microm in diameter (the lumen plus duct cells), most cells were immunonegative. AQP1-positive cells appeared in intralobular ducts 10-15 microm in diameter. In small and medium-sized interlobular ducts 15-70 microm in diameter surrounded by periductal connective tissue 2-40 microm thick, most cells were AQP1 positive with various degrees of immunoreactivity. In the larger interlobular ducts, the expression of AQP1 was variable, ranging from immunopositive to negative. In the main pancreatic duct, most cells were negative for AQP1. EM immunohistochemistry of the intralobular and small interlobular ductal epithelial cells showed that the AQP1 immunoproducts were more abundant in the basolateral membrane than in the apical membrane, though they were present in both membranes. In the medium-sized interlobular ducts, AQP1 immunoproducts were distributed densely along the apical, lateral interdigitation and basal membrane of the epithelial cells. In the various sizes of interlobular ducts, immunoproducts were associated not only with the plasma membrane, but also with the caveolae and vesicle-like structures. Secretin did not induce any significant difference in AQP1 expression and cellular and subcellular localization. These results indicate that the expression and subcellular localization of AQP1 vary considerably depending on the duct size, which may reflect water transport characteristics in the different divisions of the pancreatic duct system.     

Immunohistochemical identification of aquaporin 2 in the kidneys of young beef cattle

Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) is a small, integral tetrameric plasma membrane protein that is expressed in mammalian kidneys. The specific constitution of this protein and its selective permeability to water means that AQP2 plays an important role in hypertonic urine production. Immunolocalization of AQP2 has been studied in humans, monkeys, sheep, dogs, rabbits, rats, mice and adult cattle. We analyzed the expression of AQP2 in kidneys of 7-month-old Polish-Friesian var. black and white male calves. AQP2 was localized in the principal cells of collecting ducts in medullary rays penetrating the renal cortex and in the collecting ducts of renal medulla. AQP2 was expressed most strongly in the apical plasma membrane, but expression was observed also in the intracellular vesicles and basolateral plasma membrane. Our study provides new information concerning the immunolocalization of AQP2 in calf kidneys.     

The role of aquaporin water channels in fluid secretion by the exocrine pancreas

The mammalian exocrine pancreas secretes a near-isosmotic fluid over a wide osmolarity range. The role of aquaporin (AQP) water channels in this process is now becoming clearer. AQP8 water channels, which were initially cloned from rat pancreas, are expressed at the apical membrane of pancreatic acinar cells and contribute to their osmotic permeability. However, the acinar cells secrete relatively little fluid and there is no obvious defect in pancreatic function in AQP8 knockout mice. Most of the fluid secreted by the pancreas is generated by ductal epithelial cells, which comprise only a small fraction of the gland mass. In the human pancreas, secretion occurs mainly in the intercalated ducts, where the epithelial cells express abundant AQP1 and AQP5 at the apical membrane and AQP1 alone at the basolateral membrane. In the rat and mouse, fluid secretion occurs mainly in the interlobular ducts where AQP1 and AQP5 are again co-localized at the apical membrane but appear to be expressed at relatively low levels. Nonetheless, the transepithelial osmotic permeability of rat interlobular ducts is sufficient to support near-isosmotic fluid secretion at observed rates. Furthermore, apical, but not basolateral, application of Hg²⁺ significantly reduces the transepithelial osmotic permeability, suggesting that apical AQP1 and AQP5 may contribute significantly to fluid secretion. The apparently normal fluid output of the pancreas in AQP1 knockout mice may reflect the presence of AQP5 at the apical membrane.     

Molecular and cellular characterization of a water-channel protein,AQP-h3, specifically expressed in the frog ventral skin

The Ca2+ content of pancreatic juice is closely regulated by yet unknown mechanisms. One aim of the present study was to find whether rat pancreatic ducts have a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, as found in some Ca2+ transporting epithelia. Another aim was to establish whether the exchanger is regulated by hormones/agonists affecting pancreatic secretion. Whole pancreas, pure pancreatic acini and ducts were obtained from rats and used for RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry and intracellular Ca2+ measurements using Fura-2. RT-PCR analysis indicated Na+/Ca2+-exchanger isoforms NCX1.3 and NCX1.7 in acini and pancreas. Western blot with NCX1 antibody identified bands of 70, 120 and 150 kDa in isolated ducts, acini and pancreas. Immunofluorescence experiments showed the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger on the basolateral membrane of acini and small intercalated/intralobular ducts, but in larger intralobular/extralobular ducts the exchanger was predominantly on the luminal membrane. Na+/Ca2+ exchange in ducts was monitored by changes in intracellular Ca2+ activity upon reversal of the Na+ gradient. Secretin (1 nM) and carbachol (1 mM) reduced Na+/Ca2+ exchange by 40% and 51%, respectively. Insulin (1 nM) increased Na+/Ca2+ exchange by 230% within 5 min. The present study shows that pancreatic ducts express the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Its distinct localization along the ductal tree and regulation by secretin, carbachol and insulin indicate that ducts might be involved in regulation of Ca2+ concentrations in pancreatic juice.     

Expression and immunolocalization of aquaporin water channels in rat exocrine pancreas

Both the acinar and ductal cells of the pancreas secrete a near-isotonic fluid and may thus be sites of aquaporin (AQP) water channel expression. Northern blot analysis of mRNA from whole rat pancreas revealed high levels of AQP1 and AQP8 expression, whereas lower levels of AQP4 and AQP5 expression were just detectable by RT-PCR Southern blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry showed that AQP1 is localized in the microvasculature, whereas AQP8 is confined to the apical pole of the acinar cells. No labeling of acinar, ductal, or vascular tissue was detected with antibodies to AQP2-7. With immunoelectron microscopy, AQP8 labeling was observed not only at the apical membrane of the acinar cells but also among small intracellular vesicles in the subapical cytoplasm, suggesting that there may be regulated trafficking of AQP8 to the apical plasma membrane. To evaluate the contribution of AQPs to the membrane water permeability, video microscopy was used to measure the swelling of acinar cells in response to hypotonic stress. Osmotic water permeability was reduced by 90% following exposure to Hg(2+). Since AQP8 is confined to the apical membrane, the marked effect of Hg(2+) suggests that other water channels may be expressed in the basolateral membrane.     

Localization of AQP5 during development of the mouse submandibular salivary gland

Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) is known to be central for salivary fluid secretion. A study of the temporal-spatial distribution of AQP5 during submandibular gland (SMG) development and in adult tissues might offer further clues to its unknown role during development. In the present work, SMGs from embryonic day (E) 14.5–18.5 and postnatal days (P) 0, 2, 5, 25, and 60 were immunostained for AQP5 and analyzed using light microscopy. Additional confocal and transmission electron microscopy were performed on P60 glands. Our results show that AQP5 expression first occurs in a scattered pattern in the late canalicular stage and becomes more prominent and organized in the terminal tubuli/pro-acinar cells towards birth. Additional apical membrane staining in the entire intralobular duct is found just prior to birth. During postnatal development, AQP5 is expressed in both the luminal and lateral membrane of pro-acinar/acinar cells. AQP5 is also detected in the basal membrane of acinar cells at P25 and P60. In the intercalated ducts at P60, the male glands show apical staining in the entire segment, while only the proximal region is positive in the female glands. These results demonstrate an evolving distribution of AQP5 during pre- and postnatal development in the mouse SMGs.     

Changes in retinal aquaporin-9 (AQP9) expression in glaucoma

The eye contains numerous water channel proteins and the roles of AQPs (aquaporins) in the retina are blurred, especially under disease conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of AQP9 gene and proteins affected by elevated IOP (intraocular pressure) in a rat model of glaucoma induced by intravitreous injection of hypertonic saline into the episcleral veins. The gene and protein expressions of AQP9 were investigated by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The immunoreactive expression of AQP9, AQP4 and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) in the optic nerve of rats exposed to experimentally elevated IOP was detected by immunofluorescence microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP9 were up-regulated in the retina of an animal model of glaucoma. The immunoreactivities of the AQP9, AQP4 and GFAP were also detected and increased in the optic nerve region. The expression of AQP9 was up-regulated in this glaucoma model and the immunoreactivities of the AQP4 and GFAP were also detected as co-localizing with AQP9 in the optic nerve region, indicating retina ganglion cells were surrounded by activated astrocytes. This may indicate that the injured neurons may rely on the astrocytes. The alterations of AQP expression may compensate the glaucomatous damage.     

Effects of CFTR gene silencing by siRNA or the luminal application of a CFTR activator on fluid secretion from guinea-pig pancreatic duct cells

Aims

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic AMP regulated chloride channel expressed in the apical plasma membrane of pancreatic duct cells where it plays an important role in fluid secretion. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of the CFTR chloride channel on ion and fluid secretion from the guinea-pig pancreas by manipulating the expression of CFTR by RNA interference or by luminal application of a CFTR selective activator, MPB91, in isolated cultured pancreatic ducts.

Materials and methods

Using cDNA isolated from the guinea-pig small intestine, fragments of the CFTR gene were generated by polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. Two different RNA duplexes for small interference RNA (siRNA) were designed from the sequence obtained. Fluid secretion from the isolated guinea-pig pancreatic ducts was measured using video-microscopy. The amount of CFTR chloride channel or AQP1 water channel expressed in pancreatic ducts was examined by immunoblotting with antibodies against CFTR or AQP1, respectively.

Results

Guinea-pig CFTR consists of 1481 amino acid residues. An additional glutamine residue was found to be inserted between amino acid residues 403 and 404 of human CFTR. Forskolin-stimulated fluid secretion from intact pancreatic ducts was significantly higher in the presence of MPB91 compared to fluid secretion in the absence of MPB91. Both basal and forskolin-stimulated fluid secretion in pancreatic ducts transfected with CFTR specific siRNAs were reduced by ∼50% compared to fluid secretion from ducts transfected with scrambled negative control dsRNAs. The amount of CFTR and AQP1 proteins was reduced to 34% and 45% of control, respectively.

Conclusions

The activity of the CFTR chloride channel or the amount of CFTR protein expressed determines the rate of fluid secretion from the isolated guinea-pig pancreatic ducts.