Abstract: Objective To explore the role of transient receptor potential Canonical 1 in the pressure-sensing mechanism in airway epithelial cells. Methods Collect human lung tissue, and divided into control group, COPD group and asthma group. The level of TRPC1 protein and mRNA in human bronchial epithelial was detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The level of TRPC1 protein was detected by immunofluorescence after 16HBE cells were transfected by TRPC1 siRNA、NC siRNA. Then 16 HBE human airway epithelial cells were divided into control group, stretch group, stretch+TRPC1 siRNA group, by means of Ca2+ imaging, we explore the activation of TRPC1 in 16 HBE after they were stimulated with cyclic stretch for 6 minutes. Results The level of TRPC1 protein and mRNA was significant higher in COPD and asthma group compared with control group ( P<0.05). The level of TRPC1 protein in TRPC1 siRNA group was lower than control group( P<0.05), NC siRNA group is similar with control group. The concentration of intercellular calcium in stretch group was higher than control group ( P<0.05), but stretch+TRPC1 siRNA group was similar with control group. Conclusion TRPC1 protein plays an important role in the response to stress stimulation in airway epithelial cells.

Key words: airway pressure, airway epithelial cell, pressure sensitive cation channel, TRPC1