Expression of three distinct families of calcium-activated chloride channel genes in the mouse dorsal root ganglion

Abstract

Objective: A calcium-activated chloride current (ICl(Ca)) has been observed in medium-sized sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Axotomy of the sciatic nerve induces a similar current in the majority of medium and large diameter neurons. Our aim is to identify the molecule(s) underlying this current. Methods: Using conventional and quantitative RT-PCR, we examined the expression in DRG of members of three families of genes, which have been shown to have ICl(Ca) current inducing properties. Results: We showed the detection of transcripts representing several members of these families, i.e. chloride channel calciumactivated (CLCA), Bestrophin and Tweety gene families in adult DRG, in the normal state and 3 d after sciatic nerve section, a model for peripheral nerve injury. Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that that mBest1 and Tweety2 appear as the best candidates to play a role in the injury-induced ICl(Ca) in DRG neurons.