Localization of β and γ subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad

H. A DRUMMOND; F. M ABBOUD; M. J WELSH

doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(00)02831-6

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Localization of β and γ subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Localization of β and γ subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad

H. A DRUMMOND, F. M ABBOUD and M. J WELSH

Brain research, Vol.884(1-2), pp.1-12

2000

DOI: 10.1016/S0006-8993(00)02831-6

PMID: 11082481

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Abstract

The molecular mechanisms underlying mechanoelectrical transduction and the receptors that detect light touch remain uncertain. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that members of the DEG/ENaC cation channel family may be mechanoreceptors. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that subunits of the mammalian epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) family are expressed in touch receptors in rat hairless skin. We detected betaENaC and gammaENaC, but not alphaENaC transcripts in cervical and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using immunofluorescence, we found betaENaC and gammaENaC expressed in medium to large lumbar DRG neurons. Moreover, we detected these two subunits in Merkel cell-neurite complexes, Meissner-like corpuscles, and small lamellated corpuscles, specialized mechanosensory structures of the skin. Within these structures, betaENaC and gammaENaC were localized in the nerve fibers believed to contain the sensors responsive to mechanical stress. Thus beta and gammaENaC subunits are good candidates as components of the molecular sensor that detects touch.

Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology

Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs

Biological and medical sciences

Somesthesis and somesthetic pathways (proprioception, exteroception, nociception); interoception; electrolocation. Sensory receptors

Details

Title: Subtitle: Localization of β and γ subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad
Creators: H. A DRUMMOND - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 EMRB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
F. M ABBOUD - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 EMRB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
M. J WELSH - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 500 EMRB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Brain research, Vol.884(1-2), pp.1-12
Publisher: Elsevier; London; Amsterdam; New York, NY
DOI: 10.1016/S0006-8993(00)02831-6
PMID: 11082481
ISSN: 0006-8993
eISSN: 1872-6240
Language: English
Date published: 2000
Academic Unit: Neurology; Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Cardiovascular Medicine; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Neurosurgery; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984020711902771

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