TMEM16A and TMEM16B channel proteins generate Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- current and regulate melatonin secretion in rat pineal glands.

ABSTRACT: Pinealocytes regulate circadian rhythm by synthesizing and secreting melatonin. These cells generate action potentials; however, the contribution of specific ion channels to melatonin secretion from pinealocytes remains unclear. In this study, the involvement and molecular identity of Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- (Cl_Ca) channels in the regulation of melatonin secretion were examined in rat pineal glands. Treatment with the Cl_Ca channel blockers, niflumic acid or T16A_inh-A01, significantly reduced melatonin secretion in pineal glands. After pineal K⁺ currents were totally blocked under whole-cell patch clamp conditions, depolarization and subsequent repolarization induced a slowly activating outward current and a substantial inward tai

SUBMITTER: Yamamura H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5777270 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature