title: CFTR is functionally active in GnRH-expressing GT1-7 hypothalamic neurons.
abstract: We have demonstrated the expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, mRNA, and protein within the rat and human brains, in areas regulating sexual differentiation and function. We have found that GT1-7, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-secreting hypothalamic neuronal cell line, expresses the CFTR gene, mRNA, and protein and cAMP-dependent (36)Cl efflux. A linear 7-pS Cl- conductance, which is stimulated by ATP and cAMP analogs and inhibited by glibenclamide, consistent with CFTR activity, has been identified in GT1-7 cells. Antisense oligo(dN) generated against exon 10 of the CFTR gene transcript (mRNA) inhibit GnRH secretion into media [312 +/- 73, 850 +/- 150, 963 +/- 304, and 912 +/- 74 pg GnRH/4 x 10(6) cells for antisense, sense, missense, and no oligo(dN), respectively; P < 0. 029 for antisense oligo(dN)-treated vs. normal cells]. No changes in intracellular synthesis of GnRH were noted [1,400 +/- 371 and 1,395 +/- 384 pg GnRH/4 x 10(6) cells for antisense and sense oligo(dN), respectively]. Antisense oligo(dN), but not sense or missense oligo(dN), inhibited cAMP-dependent 36Cl efflux. The expression of CFTR protein, detected by Western blotting, was also inhibited 68% by preincubation of cells with antisense oligo(dN). GT1-7 hypothalamic neurons express the CFTR gene, mRNA, and protein, which modulate neurosecretion. Abnormal neuropeptide vesicle trafficking by mutant CFTR may help to explain some of the diverse manifestations of cystic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Weyler
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Yurko-Mauro
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rubenstein
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kollen
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Reenstra
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Altschuler
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Mulberg
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000502:physiology; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000242:Cyclic AMP