PC12 cells express IL-1 receptor type I and response to IL-1β stimulation

PC12 cell line has been widely used in a diverse array of neurophysiological studies including in exploration of oxygen-sensing mechanism. In present study, we first identified with immunocytochemistry and Western blot methods that interleukin-1 receptor type I was expressed in the PC12 cells. We then demonstrated with patch clamping technique that extracellular application of IL-1β dose-dependently inhibited the outward voltage-dependent and TEA-sensitive potassium currents (IK) in the PC12 cells, and pre-incubation with the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist almost completely abolished this inhibitory effect. In addition, application of IL-1β shifted steady-state inactivation of IK in hyperpolarizing direction, but did not alter its steady-state activation. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced inhibition of IK led to a membrane depolarization and a transient increase of [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells. Taking together, the present study elucidates that PC12 cells bear interleukin-1 receptor and response to IL-1β stimulation.