Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology

Abstract Pancreatic α-cells play a key role in glucose homeostasis through glucagon secretion. Here, we discover that the bile acid-sensitive ion channel (BASIC), a Na + channel of the DEG/ENaC family, has a hitherto unrecognized role in α-cell function. We found that BASIC is mainly expressed in glucagon-positive α-cells of mouse islets. Genetic ablation of BASIC in mice reduced α-cell number, g…

Abstract The kidney slit diaphragm (SD) connects the foot processes of glomerular podocytes, anatomically forming the outermost part of the three-layered glomerular filtration barrier. The SD is a large molecular polymer that, together with the foot processes, covers the glomerular capillaries and has diverse functions. It establishes a strong yet flexible cell-cell contact between foot processes…

Abstract Neuropeptide S (NPS) signaling is critically involved in arousal, sleep–wake regulation, fear and anxiety, and related forms of learning and memory, yet comparatively little is known about whether intrinsic properties of identified NPS neurons differ between sexes or fluctuate across the female estrous cycle. Here, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from genetically identifie…

Abstract Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated members of the degenerin/epithelial sodium channel family that are emerging as multifaceted regulators of cardiovascular function. ASICs expressed in baroreceptor, cardiac, and skeletal muscle afferents contribute to reflex control of blood pressure, cardiac function, and sympathetic outflow. In vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cel…

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by a decline in renal function resulting from hyperglycaemia and is often requiring dialysis or renal transplantation. Yet, the signalling events causing DN and the effective treatment options are poorly understood. Changes in the signalling of cyclic nucleotides and their regulated kinases are hypothesized to be involved in its development. Pro…

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million people worldwide and is characterized by progressive renal fibrosis driven by activated interstitial fibroblasts. Signaling by extracellular nucleotides and P2 receptors plays an important role in renal pathophysiology, yet its contribution to fibroblast activation and fibrosis remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the expr…

Abstract Sex differences in vascular adrenergic responsiveness contribute to differential regulation of vascular tone. Female vessels exhibit enhanced β-adrenergic relaxation compared with males, but the role of oestrogen receptors in maintaining this phenotype and the capacity of sex hormone exposure to reprogram vascular β-adrenoceptor expression remain incompletely understood. Thoracic aorta a…

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic tool for managing glioblastoma (GB), particularly in radiosensitisation. However, their mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. Since ion channel activity is implicated in various aspects of radioresistance, we investigated the electrophysiological effects of AgNPs on GB cells. In the U251 human GB cell line,…

Abstract Spexin (SPX) is an endogenous peptide expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Although its impact on postprandial intestinal motility has been examined, its effect during fasting remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the direct effects of SPX on jejunal and ileal segments in vitro , its effects on fasting small intestinal motility in vivo , and to determine the roles …

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic factor that plays a key role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, targeting TGF-β inhibition failed to mitigate CKD in practice. The proximal tubule (PT), the most vulnerable renal segment, plays a central role in post-injury repair or the drift to CKD. Despite its well-documented profibrotic effects, recent stud…