Duodenal enteroendocrine I-cells contain mRNA transcripts encoding key endocannabinoid and fatty acid receptors

PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e42373. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042373. Epub 2012 Aug 2.

Abstract

Enteroendocrine cells have a critical role in regulation of appetite and energy balance. I-cells are a subtype of enteroendocrine cells localized in duodenum that release cholecystokinin in response to ingested fat and amino-acids. Despite their potentially pivotal role in nutrient sensing and feeding behaviour, native I-cells have previously been difficult to isolate and study. Here we describe a robust protocol for the isolation and characterization of native duodenal I-cells and additionally, using semi-quantitative RT-PCR we determined that mouse duodenal I-cells contain mRNA transcripts encoding key fatty acid and endocannabinoid receptors including the long chain fatty acid receptors GPR40/FFAR1, GPR120/O3FAR1; short chain fatty acid receptors GPR41/FFAR3 and GPR43/FFAR2; the oleoylethanolamide receptor GPR119 and the classic endocannabinoid receptor CB1. These data suggest that I-cells sense a wide range of gut lumen nutrients and also have the capacity to respond to signals of fatty-acid derivatives or endocannabinoid peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Duodenum / cytology
  • Duodenum / metabolism*
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Enteroendocrine Cells / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • Receptors, Cholecystokinin / genetics
  • Receptors, Cholecystokinin / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Fatty Acids
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cholecystokinin
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled