Attenuation of store-operated Ca 2+ current impairs salivary gland fluid secretion in TRPC1(−/−) mice

Abstract

Agonist-induced Ca²⁺ entry via store-operated Ca²⁺ (SOC) channels is suggested to regulate a wide variety of cellular functions, including salivary gland fluid secretion. However, the molecular components of these channels and their physiological function(s) are largely unknown. Here we report that attenuation of SOC current underlies salivary gland dysfunction in mice lacking transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1). Neurotransmitter-regulated salivary gland fluid secretion in TRPC1-deficient TRPC1(−/−) mice was severely decreased (by 70%). Further, agonist- and thapsigargin-stimulated SOC channel activity was significantly reduced in salivary gland acinar cells isolated from TRPC1(−/−) mice. Deletion of TRPC1 also eliminated sustained Ca²⁺-dependent potassium channel activity, which depends on Ca²⁺ entry and is required for fluid secretion. Expression of key proteins involved in fluid secretion and Ca²⁺ signaling, including STIM1 and other TRPC channels, was not altered. Together, these data demonstrate that reduced SOC entry accounts for the severe loss of salivary gland fluid secretion in TRPC1(−/−) mice. Thus, TRPC1 is a critical component of the SOC channel in salivary gland acinar cells and is essential for neurotransmitter-regulation of fluid secretion.