Role of the Phospholipase C Pathway and Calcium Mobilization in Oxytocin-Induced Contraction of Lacrimal Gland Myoepithelial Cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We reported that oxytocin (OXT), added to freshly prepared lacrimal gland lobules, induced myoepithelial cell (MEC) contraction. In other systems, OXT activates phospholipase C (PLC) generating Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) which increases intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) causing contraction. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of this pathway in OXT-induced contraction of MEC.

Methods

Tear volume was measured using the cotton thread method. Lacrimal gland MEC were isolated and propagated from α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice, in which MEC express GFP making them easily identifiable. RNA and protein samples were prepared for RT-PCR and Western blotting for G protein expression. Changes in [Ca2+]i

SUBMITTER: Garriz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8626846 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature