Effects of CFTR gene silencing by siRNA or the luminal application of a CFTR activator on fluid secretion from guinea-pig pancreatic duct cells.

Aims: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cyclic AMP regulated chloride channel expressed in the apical plasma membrane of pancreatic duct cells where it plays an important role in fluid secretion. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of the CFTR chloride channel on ion and fluid secretion from the guinea-pig pancreas by manipulating the expression of CFTR by RNA interference or by luminal application of a CFTR selective activator, MPB91, in isolated cultured pancreatic ducts.

Materials And Methods: Using cDNA isolated from the guinea-pig small intestine, fragments of the CFTR gene were generated by polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced.