AR4-2J cell line coexpresses dihydropyridine and ω-conotoxin sensitive Ca channels

For the first time, we have demonstrated in AR4-2J cells, an experimental model of azaserine-induced carcinoma in the rat exocrine pancreas, the co-expression of α₁ subunit of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel and the α₁ sub-unit of ω-conotoxin-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel RNA messengers which share homologous sequences with, respectively, rbC II and rbB I sub-types described in the rat brain. These two types of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels which are functionally expressed, emphasize the acquisition during carcinogenesis of neuroendocrine features of AR4-2J cells. Additionally, using antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide, we demonstrated clearly the involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels in the control of AR4-2J cell proliferation.