Conference paper

Publication year: 2012

Pages: 1003-1008

Journal: Life Sciences

Volume number: 91

Issue number: 21-22

ISSN: 0024-3205

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2012.03.016

Conference: 3rd International Symposium on Non-Neuronal Acetylcholine

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

Aims: In the oviduct, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (MR) are linked with motility regulation and nicotinic receptors (nAChR) with ectopic pregnancy. We here aimed to determine the repertoire of cholinergic receptor expression in the murine oviduct and their functional coupling to regulation of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)).

Main methods: Cholinergic receptor transcripts were assessed by RT-PCR in oviductal segments (ampulla, isthmus, uterotubar junction) in all cyclic stages and pregnancy, and in laser-microdissected samples of epithelium and smooth muscle, nAChR subunit alpha 3 distribution in tissue sections using an appropriate genetic reporter mouse strain. [Ca2+](i) responses were monitored in ciliated and non-ciliated oviductal cells isolated from wild-type and MR subtypes 1 and 3 gene deficient mice.

Key findings: Transcripts for all MR subtypes (M1-M5) are constantly expressed whereas there is some variability in nAChR expression from individual to individual. The qualitative expression pattern is independent from the hormonal status of the animal, except for nAChR alpha 7, which is less present during pregnancy. The epithelium expresses M1, M3, nAChR alpha 7 (data from laser-assisted microdissection) and nAChR alpha 3 (ultrastructural investigation of reporter mice). MR dominate over nAChR in increasing [Ca2+](i) with being M3 the major, but not sole subtype driving this effect. The general nAChR inhibitor mecamylamine enhances muscarinic and purinergic responses.

Significance: In conclusion, the murine oviduct is endowed with a multiplicity of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors subtypes that, with respect to regulation of [Ca2+](i) are inversely linked to each other. The major, but not sole, cholinergic receptor driving increase in [Ca2+](i) is M3. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Wolff, M., Noreikat, K., Ibanez-Tallon, I., Lips, K., Koelle, S. and Kummer, W. (2012) Cholinergic receptors in the murine oviduct: Inventory and coupling to intracellular calcium concentration, Life Sciences, 91(21-22), pp. 1003-1008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2012.03.016

APA Citation style: Wolff, M., Noreikat, K., Ibanez-Tallon, I., Lips, K., Koelle, S., & Kummer, W. (2012). Cholinergic receptors in the murine oviduct: Inventory and coupling to intracellular calcium concentration. Life Sciences. 91(21-22), 1003-1008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2012.03.016