Abstract | BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is not fully understood. A significant proportion of patients have persisting bowel symptoms such as constipation, soiling, and enterocolitis despite correctly performed operations. Animal data suggest that stretch-activated 2-pore domain K+ channels play a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. METHODS: We investigated TREK-1 protein expression in ganglionic and aganglionic regions of HSCR patients (n = 10) vs. normal control colon (n = 10). Protein distribution was assessed by using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Gene and protein expression were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and densitometry. RESULTS: Confocal microscopy of the normal colon revealed strong TREK-1 channel expression in the epithelium. TREK-1-positive cells were decreased in aganglionic and ganglionic bowel compared to controls. TREK-1 gene expression levels were significantly decreased in aganglionic and ganglionic bowel compared to controls (P < 0.05). Western blotting revealed decreased TREK-1 protein expression in aganglionic and ganglionic bowel compared to controls. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate, for the first time, the expression and distribution of TREK-1 channels in the human colon. The decreased TREK-1 expression in the aganglionic and ganglionic bowel observed in HSCR may alter intestinal epithelial barrier function leading to the development of enterocolitis.
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Authors | Christian Tomuschat, Anne Marie O'Donnell, David Coyle, Nickolas Dreher, Danielle Kelly, Prem Puri |
Journal | Pediatric research
(Pediatr Res)
Vol. 80
Issue 5
Pg. 729-733
(11 2016)
ISSN: 1530-0447 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 27384506
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
- potassium channel protein TREK-1
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Topics |
- Case-Control Studies
- Colon
(metabolism)
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Hirschsprung Disease
(metabolism, physiopathology)
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain
(metabolism)
- Protein Domains
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