Prion protein distribution and function in the Enteric Nervous System of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mice
Date
2013-05-01
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Abstract
The prion protein (PrPC) is a membrane bound copper binding protein widely expressed throughout the body. Although the pathophysiological role of PrPC in prion diseases has been well established, its physiological function remains poorly understood. This study was
designed to characterize the distribution of PrPC in the gastrointestinal tract, more specifically the enteric nervous system (ENS), and to establish a functional role of PrPC in
the gut. We have shown that PrPC is expressed in the ENS of mice, both in neurons and enteric glial cells. In addition, Ussing chambers studies showed that PrPC is involved in
neuronal and epithelial control of electrolyte transport; PrPC-deficient mice had decreased responses to electric field stimulation, bethanechol, and forskolin, compared to controls. However, this was not due to PrPC’s ability to bind copper. These studies show that PrPC is widely distributed in the ENS and has a physiological role in gastrointestinal function.
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Animal Physiology
Citation
Alvarez Veronesi, A. L. (2013). Prion protein distribution and function in the Enteric Nervous System of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mice (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27434