Expression Of Voltage-operated Calcium Channels In Rat Prostatic Smooth Muscles

Objective: To establish a convenient and efficient method of primary culture of SD rat prostate smooth muscle cells in vitro and to investigate the expression of mRNA of L-type calcium channel and T-type calcium channel in cultured SPSMCs.Methods: Prostate smooth muscle was cultured with DMEM(20%FBS) after being cut into small pieces. Immunocytochemistry of smooth muscle actin(SMA) was used to identify its characteristic. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of a1C, a1D, a1G, a1H.Results: The cells were successfully cultured by the method and grown in the"peak–valley"mode. The cultured SPSMCs were fusiform shape with a big oviform or round nuclei, and rich in cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical study revealed strong expression of a- smooth muscle actin (a-SMActin). The purity of the SPSMCs was about 100% after passage and purification, and no abnormality was seen. RT-PCR analysis showed a1C, a1D, a1G expressed in SPSMCs, but no expressions was observed of a1H.Conclusion: The results indicated that cultured SPSMCs expressed L-type calcium channel and T-type calcium channel. The voltage-dependent changes of these ion channels and their interactions might be important in forming action potentials and regulating contractility. It is possible that L-type and T-type calcium channels have relationships with the disease with prostatic disease such as prostatitis.