Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClC4 , ClCA1

Title: Increased expression of the calcium-activated chloride channel hCLCA1 in airways of patients with obstructive chronic bronchitis.

Authors: Hans-Peter Hauber, Celine Bergeron, Anne Tsicopoulos, Benoit Wallaert, Ron Olivenstein, Kenneth J Holroyd, Roy C Levitt, Qutayba Hamid

Journal, date & volume: Can. Respir. J., 2005 Apr , 12, 143-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15875066

Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-9 and its effect on enhancing the human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 (hCLCA1) expression have been shown to induce mucin production. Increased expression of hCLCA1 may, in turn, contribute to mucus overproduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a chronic bronchitis (CB) phenotype.To determine the expression of IL-9, IL-9 receptor (IL-9R), hCLCA1 and mucoglycoconjugates in COPD.Bronchial biopsies were obtained from six patients with obstructive CB and six healthy control subjects. IL-9, IL-9R and hCLCA1 expression were detected using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, in situ hybridization was performed to determine the expression of hCLCA1 messenger RNA. Mucin production was assessed using periodic acid-Schiff staining.There was a significantly higher number of IL-9 immunoreactive cells in the submucosa of patients with COPD than that of healthy control subjects (P<0.05). Also, a significant increase in the expression of IL-9R, hCLCA1 (protein and messenger RNA) and mucin (periodic acid-Schiff-positive cells) was noted in the bronchial epithelium of patients with COPD compared the control subjects (P<0.05).Increased expression of IL-9, IL-9R and hCLCA1 in the bronchial mucosa of patients with obstructive CB suggests that mucus overproduction in this disease may be, at least in part, due to hCLCA1.