PACAP and VIP promote initiation of electrophysiological activity in differentiating embryonic stem cells.
Owing to their capacity to differentiate in vitro into various types of neuronal cells, embryonic stem (ES) cells represent a suitable model for studying the first steps of neuronal differentiation and cerebral development. Since pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are known to control maturation of the nervous system, we have investigated the possible effects of these two neuropeptides on the differentiation of ES cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that mouse ES cells express PAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that PACAP and VIP facilitate the emission of currents, suggesting that these peptides can initiate the genesis of an electrophysiological activity in differentiating ES cells.
Chafai
Magda
M
INSERM U413, IFRMP 23, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan Cedex, France.
Louiset
Estelle
E
Basille
Magali
M
Cazillis
Michèle
M
Vaudry
David
D
Rostène
William
W
Gressens
Pierre
P
Vaudry
Hubert
H
Gonzalez
Bruno J
BJ
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004594:Electrophysiology; D051379:Mice; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000235:genetics; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects*; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology*
D051219:Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide