Expression and localisation of TRPC channels in immortalised GnRH neurons

Brain Res. 2008 Sep 16:1230:27-36. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.07.019. Epub 2008 Jul 12.

Abstract

Calcium-permeable cation channels of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily are involved in agonist-induced calcium influx in several cell types. In this work we evaluated expression and localisation of classical TRP (TRPC) channels in two immortalised cell lines derived from the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neuroendocrine system, at different developmental stages: GT1-7 cells display many characteristics of mature hypothalamic GnRH neurons and are a suitable model to study neuritogenesis and neurosecretion, whereas GN11 cells retain a more immature phenotype with migratory activity. Immunoblotting analysis demonstrates that GN11 and GT1-7 cells differentially express several members of the TRPC family: TRPC1 and TRPC5 are expressed at high levels in GN11 cells, and TRPC4 is expressed at higher levels in GT1-7 cells. Immunocytochemical experiments show a widespread localisation for TRPC proteins in GN11 cells and a characteristic staining along neurites in GT1-7 cells. These data suggest that different TRPC proteins could play specific functional roles at different developmental stages of the GnRH system.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Signaling / physiology
  • Cell Line
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / ultrastructure*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / isolation & purification
  • TRPC Cation Channels / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • TRPC Cation Channels
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone