THE CYSTIC-FIBROSIS TRANSMEMBRANE CONDUCTANCE REGULATOR AS A MARKER OF HUMAN PANCREATIC DUCT DEVELOPMENT

Background & Aims: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regul ator (CFTR) protein is a small conductance adenosine 3',5'cyclic monop hosphate (cAMP)-activated chloride ion channel found in the apical mem branes of epithelia within the pancreas, airway, intestine, bile duct, sweat gland, and male genital ducts. Pancreatic insufficiency is a fe ature of about 85% of patients with cystic fibrosis and is believed to be caused by pancreatic autolysis after pancreatic duct obstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CFTR in the pancreas from early development to postnatal life to establish whethe r the CFTR plays a key role in development of the pancreatic duct epit helium. Methods: Expression of CFTR from the start of the mid-trimeste r of human development through term to adult life by messenger RNA (mR NA) in situ hybridization was examined. Results: CFTR mRNA is detected throughout the pancreatic duct epithelium and its pattern of expressi on follows the differentiation of the duct system. Conclusions: CFTR i s a valuable marker of human pancreatic duct cell development and diff erentiation.