Detection of Na+/H+ exchanger mRNA in human neutrophils and lymphocytes using the polymerase chain reaction

Using the reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we have examined the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger mRNA in human buffy coat preparations, lymphocytes and neutrophils. Total RNA from all cell types was reverse transcribed specifically and then amplified by PCR. The identity of the PCR products was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide probe. The detection of low abundance Na+/H+ antiporter specific transcripts by RT-PCR in different human blood cells ex vivo should facilitate future studies on regulatory and pathophysiological aspects of Na+/H+ exchanger mRNA expression in human cells and tissue samples.