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Differential expression of GABAA receptor π subunit in cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells

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Abstract

Although type A γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (ligand-gated Cl− channels) have been extensively studied in the central nervous system, no information is available on this receptor in lung cells. We have examined the expression of GABAA receptor π-subunit (GABRP) during the trans-differentiation between rat alveolar epithelial type II cells and type I cells. Rat alveolar type II cells, when cultured on plastic plates, gradually trans-differentiated into type-I-like cells and lost their GABRP mRNA expression. However, the GABRP mRNA was partially retained in the type II cells cultured on Matrigel. Keratinocyte growth factor (a mitogen of type II cells) increased GABRP expression. A detached collagen gel maintained the GABRP mRNA to a level close to that of the freshly isolated type II cells. An air–liquid interface culture system, mimicking in vivo conditions in the lung, significantly up-regulated the expression of GABRP mRNA and protein. mRNAs of the GABAA receptor α1-, α3-, β2-, γ2-, and γ3-subunits were also detected in rat type II cells. These results suggest that GABRP expression is differentially regulated by culture substrata, growth factor, detached gel, and an air-apical surface.

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Abbreviations

GABA:

γ-Aminobutyric acid

GABRP:

GABAA receptor π-subunit

CNS:

Central nervous system

KGF:

Keratinocyte growth factor

SP-B:

Surfactant protein B

SP-C:

Surfactant protein C

ECL:

Enhanced chemiluminescence

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA

    Nili Jin, Telugu Narasaraju, Narasaiah Kolliputi, Jiwang Chen & Lin Liu

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  1. Nili Jin
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  2. Telugu Narasaraju
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  3. Narasaiah Kolliputi
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  4. Jiwang Chen
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  5. Lin Liu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lin Liu.

Additional information

This work was supported by NIH R01 HL-52146, R01 NIH-071628, and OCAST HR01-093, and AHA heartland affiliate 0255992Z (to L.L.). N.J. was supported by an AHA heartland affiliate pre-doctoral fellowship (0315256Z).

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Jin, N., Narasaraju, T., Kolliputi, N. et al. Differential expression of GABAA receptor π subunit in cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells. Cell Tissue Res 321, 173–183 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-005-1130-8

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