The elucidation of molecular basis on mechanisms for chemosensitive respiratory regulation

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The medulla contains central chemosensitive cells (CRC) important for the maintenance of blood gas and pH homeostasis. To identify the intrinsic CRC, we measured responses of intracellular Ca^<2+> and H^+, and membrane potential of rat primary-cultured medullary cells to a brief exposure (sec level) to hypercapnic acidosis. In glia-rich cultures, intracellular acidification preceded the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca^<2+> response independent of extracellular pH. TRP channel blockers attenuated the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca^<2+> response. Subpopulations of cells that exhibited the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca^<2+> response also responded to the application of TRP agonist. These results suggest that the TRP channel is a potent candidate of central chemosensing molecules.