Expression of aquaporin 8 is diversely regulated by osmotic stress in amnion epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
Water absorption across fetal chorioamniotic membranes is a critical regulatory pathway for amniotic fluid volume homeostasis. Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) is a water channel regulating osmotic water travel across membranes. This study was to investigate the distribution and expression of AQP8 in amnion epithelial cells (AEC) in response to different osmotic stresses.


METHODS
Cells derived from the amnion were subjected to different osmotic culture media. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine expression and localization of AQP8.


RESULTS
Immunofluorescent staining confirmed the expression of AQP8 on cytomembrane and in cytoplasm. Hypotonic media increased AQP8 on cytomembrane of AEC. Compared to isosmolar media, hypotonic media significantly enhanced AQP8 mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05), while hypertonic media significantly decreased expression (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The expression and distribution of AQP8 in AEC are diversely regulated by osmotic loads suggesting a role for AQP8 in intramembranous water transport and the balance of amniotic fluid.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. qihongbo@sina.com
Hongbo
H
Qi
Li
L
Li
Wenjun
W
Zong
Barb J
BJ
Hyer
Jin
J
Huang
D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D009997:Osmotic Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D020346:Aquaporins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C108330:aquaporin 8