Title: Effects of noradrenaline on the membrane potential of prostatic neuroendocrine cells of rat
Abstract: The prostate gland contains numerous neuroendocrine cells that are believed to influence the function of the prostate gland. Our recent study demonstrated the expression of both - and -ARs, signaling the release of stored and the inhibition of N-type channels, respectively, in rat prostate neuroendocrine cells (RPNECs). In this study, the effects of NA on the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs were investigated using a whole-cell patch clamp method. Fresh RPNECs were dissociated from the ventral lobe of rat prostate and identified from its characteristic shape; round or oval shape with dark cytoplasm. Under zero-current clamp conditions with KCl pipette solution, the resting membrane potential (RMP) of RPNECs was between -35 mV and -85 mV. In those RPNECs with relatively hyperpolarized RMP (<-60 mV), the application of noradrenaline (NA, ) depolarized the membrane to around -40 mV. In contrast, the RPNECs with relatively depolarized RMP (>-45 mV) showed a transient hyperpolarization and subsequent fluctuation at around -40 mV on application of NA. Under voltage clamp conditions (holding voltage, -40 mV) with CsCl pipette solution, NA evoked a slight inward current (<-20 pA). NA induced a sharp increase of cytosolic concentration (), measured by the fura-2 fluorescence, and the voltage clamp study showed the presence of charybdotoxin-sensitive -activated currents. In summary, adrenergic stimulation induced either depolarization or hyperpolarization of RPNECs, depending on the initial level of RMP. The inward current evoked by NA and the -activated current might partly explain the depolarization and hyperpolarization, respectively.
Publication Year: 2003
Publication Date: 2003-02-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 2
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