Differentiated mucus-producing cells as a new tool for elucidating mucus secretion in vitro

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Pharmacology 1992, Vol.58 (suppl.1), p.236-236
• Main Authors: Kai, Hirofumi, Yoshitake, Kazuhisa, Hamamura, Ichiro, Isohama, Yoichiro, Takahama, Kazuo, Miyata, Takeshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-5198; 1347-3506
• DOI: 10.1016/S0021-5198(19)49206-8

Little is known about regulatory mechanisms for mucus production in airway epithelial cells, especially goblet cells which are involved in abnormalities of airway secretion in various obstructive pulmonary diseases. In this study, we have investigated the differentiation of tracheal epithelial cells into mucus-producing cells and the regulatory mechanism of the mucus secretion. Tracheal epithelial cells were isolated from the trachea of male Golden hamsters (100-120 g) according to the method of Goldman & Baseman. The isolated cells were cultured on collagen gel in F12 medium containing 10% FBS at 37℃ in a 95% air：5% CO_2 . The cells synthesized and secreted high molecular weight mucin-like glycoproteins, which was hyaluronidase-resistant and sensitive to weak alkali treatment. The mucus secretion was stimulated 2-fold by ATP (2 mM), 4-aminopyridine (3 mM) and phorbol myristate acetate (10 nM). The present findings indicate that the mucus-producing cells will be useful for several pharmacological approaches to elucidate the mucus secretion in the pathological states.