Cellular distribution of sulfonylurea receptor 2 mRNA in the ovary and testis of rats

Citation
H. Yanase et al., Cellular distribution of sulfonylurea receptor 2 mRNA in the ovary and testis of rats, BIOMED RES, 19(3), 1998, pp. 199-204
Citations number
19
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH-TOKYO
ISSN journal
0388-6107 → ACNP
Volume
19
Issue
3
Year of publication
1998
Pages
199 - 204
Database
ISI
SICI code
0388-6107(199806)19:3<199:CDOSR2>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
ATP-sensitive K+ channels are composed of sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) and i nward rectifier K+ channel subunit Kir6.2. Two subtypes of SUR have been id entified: SUR1 constitutes the pancreatic beta-cell channel, while a recent Northern blot analysis suggests the broad distribution of SUR2, which is m ost intensely expressed in the ovary. Cellular distribution of SUR2 mRNA wa s investigated by use of an in situ hybridization technique in several orga ns, including the ovary, testis and adrenal gland, of adult rats. Intense a nd selective expression of SUR2 mRNA was detected in sex hormone-producing cells of the ovary, testis and adrenal gland. In the ovary, intense signals for SUR2 mRNA were found in the theca folliculi (theca interna), corpus lu teum, and interstitial gland. Leydig cells and the zona reticularis were se lectively labeled in the testis and adrenal gland, respectively. Since mRNA for Kir6.2 is absent or expressed at very low levels in the reproductive o rgans and adrenal gland, a novel function for SUR, such as transport of ste roids, is suggested in these organs.