Differential expression of GABAA receptor π subunit in cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells

Although type A gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (ligand-gated Cl- channels) have been extensively studied in the central nervous system, no information is available on this receptor in lung cells. We have examined the expression of GABA(A) receptor pi-subunit (GABRP) during the trans-differentiation between rat alveolar epithelial type II cells and type I cells. Rat alveolar type II cells, when cultured on plastic plates, gradually trans-differentiated into type-I-like cells and lost their GABRP mRNA expression. However, the GABRP mRNA was partially retained in the type II cells cultured on Matrigel. Keratinocyte growth factor (a mitogen of type II cells) increased GABRP expression. A detached collagen gel maintained the GABRP mRNA to a level close to that of the freshly isolated type II cells. An air-liquid interface culture system, mimicking in vivo conditions in the lung, significantly up-regulated the expression of GABRP mRNA and protein. mRNAs of the GABA(A) receptor alpha 1-, alpha 3-, beta 2-, gamma 2-, and gamma 3-subunits were also detected in rat type II cells. These results suggest that GABRP expression is differentially regulated by culture substrata, growth factor, detached gel, and an air-apical surface.