Localization and expression patterns of TRP channels in submandibular gland development

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are known to be expressed in adult rat salivary glands.
• The cellular composition of the submandibular gland differs significantly during early development compared to adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of TRP canonical (TRPC)1, TRP vanilloid (TRPV)3, TRPV4, and TRP melastatin (TRPM)8 in the rat submandibular gland during early developmental stages.
• To discuss the functional role of TRP channels in submandibular gland development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized rat submandibular glands from embryonic days (E)18, E20, and postnatal days (PN)0, PN5, and PN28.
• Assessed TRP channel expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.

Main Results:

• All investigated TRP channels (TRPC1, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPM8) were expressed in the developing submandibular gland.
• Significant increases in TRPC1 and TRPV4 expression were observed at PN5 compared to other developmental stages.
• Immunohistochemistry at PN5 showed strong TRPM8, TRPV3, and TRPV4 antibody reactions in proliferating cells of the tubular structures.

Conclusions:

• TRP channels are expressed in the rat submandibular gland during early development, despite differing cell composition from adults.
• The findings suggest that TRP channels play a role in cell differentiation within the submandibular gland at PN5, contributing to its maturation into the adult form.