RNA interference for CFTR attenuates lung fluid absorption at birth in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) against alphaENaC (alpha-subunit of the epithelial Na channel) and CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) was used to explore ENaC and CTFR function in newborn rat lungs.

Methods

Twenty-four hours after trans-thoracic intrapulmonary (ttip) injection of siRNA-generating plasmid DNA (pSi-0, pSi-4, or pSi-C2), we measured CFTR and ENaC expression, extravascular lung water, and mortality.

Results

alphaENaC and CFTR mRNA and protein decreased by approximately 80% and approximately 85%, respectively, following alphaENaC and CFTR silencing. Extravascular lung water and mortality increased after alphaENaC and CFTR-silencing. In pSi-C2-transfected isolated DLE cells there were attenuated CFTR mRNA and protein. In pSi

SUBMITTER: Li T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2515309 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature