[Expression of the cold receptor TRPM8 in the smooth muscles of the seminal ejaculatory ducts in rats].

By means of real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorscent staining combined with confocal microscopy we show for the first time the expression ofmRNA and protein ofthe cold/menthol-sensitive cationic channel, TRPM8, in the smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the epididimal and prostatic portions of the rat vas deferens. Expression of TRPM8 mRNA correlated with the expression ofmRNA for androgen receptor (AR): orchidectomy of the animals resulted in the enhancement of the expression of both mRNAs, which likely reflects specific for the vas deferens compensatory response to the decreasing levels of circulating androgens. TRPM8 protein in the SMC from both parts of the vas deferens primarily localized outside the plasma membrane (PM), however, in the SMC from prostatic portion we observed higher TRPM8 protein targeting specifically the endoplasmic reticulum and PM, where it can form functional cold/menthol-sensitive cationic channel capable of modulating contractile activity of the smooth muscle.

[Gender differences in cold sensitivity: role of hormonal regulation of TRPM8 channel].

We have studied the gender differences in the perception of cutaneous cold stimuli in the innocuous temperature range (5-30 degrees C) in mice and rats. In the behavioral tests using two variable temperature plates technique female subjects displayed lower threshold for the sensation of cooling temperatures in the range of 15-25 degrees C compared to males. Patch-clamp experiments carried out on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from male and female rats maintained in the short-term cultures in the presence of testosterone or 17beta-estradiol, respectively, have revealed gender- and hormone-related differences in the electrophysiological properties of cold/menthol-sensitive TRPM8 channel: average density of menthol-activated I(TRPM8) current density in females' DRG neurons was higher compared to males', and the steady-state voltage-dependent activation curve of TRPM8 in females was shifted towards hyperpolarized potentials compared to males.

[Calcium-dependent programmed cell death in prostate cancer].

In the present review we describe the major molecular determinants of calcium homeostasis in prostate cancer cells and establish their role in the transformation to apoptosis-resistant cell phenotypes typical of advanced androgen-independent prostate cancer. We show that the hallmark of such transformation is complete loss of apoptosis pathway associated with endoplasmic reticulum calcium store depletion.

[The influence of extracellular pH on volume-activated chloride current in the prostate cancer epithelial cells].

The influence of extracellular pH on characteristics of volume-activated chloride current, ICl,swell, in the human prostate cancer epithelial cell line, LNCaP, was studied using the patch-clamp technique. Acidification of the extracellular hypotonic solution used to develop the current shortened the temporal parameters of ICl,swell development and reduced its maximal density. Sudden shifts of the pH towards acidification caused fast, transient potentiation of the current followed by its sustained inhibition.

[Volume-sensitive anion conductivity in a human prostatic carcinoma cell line].

For the first time membrane anion current activated in response to the cell swelling following exposure to hypotonic solution has been found in human prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP. The development of hypotonicity-evoked current required 5 to 10 min to the maximum and was almost completely reversible upon return to the solution with normal osmolarity. Not absolute selectivity for Cl- ions of the respective cell volume-sensitive channels has been shown.