Trafficking of beta-2-adrenergic receptors in the submanidibular salivary glands of live rats

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 — Poster Session II
Noon – 2:00 p.m.	Natcher Conference Center	NIDCR	MOLBIO-14

Authors

• T Wigand
• M Sramkova
• A Masedunskas
• R Weigert

Abstract

Salivary glands are complex secretory organs, which produce saliva, a mixture of water, proteins, and electrolytes. Secretion of saliva is initiated by agonist-dependent stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR), which are located on the basolateral plasma membrane of acinar cells. Constitutive and agonist-dependent internalization of GPCRs is essential for maintaining appropriate receptor distribution on the cell membrane. Understanding the molecular machinery regulating these pathways in vivo is crucial for understanding the physiology of the salivary glands. Our goal is to study mechanism of GPCR constitutive and agonist-dependent internalization in the salivary glands of living rats through gene transfection and intravital microscopy. To do so, we have characterized a DNA delivery system based on polyethylenimine (PEI) which compacts the DNA and facilitates its delivery to the nucleus. Using this system, we were able to efficiently transfect plasmids in the salivary glands and target acinar cells.The trafficking of the GPCR Beta-2-Adrenergic Receptor (Beta2-AR) has been extensively investigated in vitro. Our results highlight differences between cell cultures and the native tissue.

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