A study of TRPV1 and TRPV4 ion channels in the beta cells by using fura-2 based microfluorometry.
Year: 2009
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The calcium ion (Ca2+) is an important ion that regulates many cellular functions including exocytosis, contraction of muscles, neural functions, fertilization and cell division. In the plasma membrane of cells there are different Ca2+ channels, including the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels. The TRP channels are activated by physical stimuli like temperature, stretch, osmolality, and also various ligands. These channels are divided into seven subfamilies, namely TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPML, TRPA, TRPP, and TRPN. TRP channels can regulate the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and are therefore important for research of insulin secretion from beta (β) cells. With TRP research new and more effective treatment methods for people with diabetes can be developed. People with type 2 diabetes have a decreased insulin secretion from beta (β) cells, in response to glucose. Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is important for insulin secretion. It is therefore desirable to find compounds that can increase [Ca2+]i in pancreatic β cells and thereby increase insulin secretion. The aim of this project was to investigate whether pancreatic β cells express TRPV1 and TRPV4 ion channels. If the channels are expressed in β cells the [Ca2+]i can be increased by identifying substances that stimulate TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels. The results can then be used for providing better treatment for patients with diabetes type 2. Insulinoma cells from rat (S5 cells) were used as a model for β cells. [Ca2+]i was measured from single fura-2 loaded S5 cells by ratiometric microfluorometry. To test whether TRPV1 is expressed, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-Arachidonoylamide (AM404) and [5-hydroxyl-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decan-3-one] ([6]-gingerol) were used. To test whether TRPV4 was expressed, a TRPV4-selective agonist 4alpha-Phorbol 12,13-Didecanoate namely 4α–PDD was used. The two agonist of TRPV1, AM404 and [6]-gingerol increased [Ca2+]i . Capsaicin a classical activator of TRPV1 used as a control also increased [Ca2+]i . These increases were inhibited by capsazepine, a specific blocker of TRPV1. 4α–PDD, a specific agonist of TRPV4 also increased [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that S5 cells express both TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels and that AM404, [6]-gingerol and 4α–PDD are potential substances for increasing the insulin secretion from β cells.
Author: Banina Hadrovic
Language: English
Topic: Ion Channels and Receptors
Subfield: Sensory Systems
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W41128726