Identification of functional somatostatin receptors and G-proteins in a new line of human foetal lung fibroblasts

A new line (FP) of human foetal lung fibroblasts was analysed for the expression of functional, G-protein coupled somatostatin receptors (SSTR). By means of RT-PCR, we identified the expression of SSTR1, SSTR2, SSTR3 and SSTR4, but not SSTR5, subtypes. The same technical approach evidenced the expression of stimulatory (alpha(s)) and inhibitory (alpha(i1), alpha(i2) and alpha(i3)) G-protein subunits. The functionality of SSTR was established from the observation of a dose-dependent inhibitory role of SST upon isoproterenol-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, an effect that involves G-protein action. Moreover, the functionality of G-proteins was assessed by means of experiments with forskolin and a nonhydrolysable GTP analogue that showed either Gi or Gs activation in the regulation of adenylyl cyclase. Present results represent a first pharmacological characterization of this new line of human foetal lung fibroblasts. The selective presence of some SSTR subtypes and G-protein subunits in addition to the regulatory network of the adenylyl cyclase pathway are features of recognized involvement in cell growth mechanisms. It is of interest for a cell class widely used to study this topic but also important in lung physiology and pathophysiology.