Bidirectional effect of ecdysterone on thymocyte volume regulation and proliferation.

The development and maturation of T cells requires an efficient cell volume regulation (CVR) system in which the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR/VRAC) plays a pivotal role. Ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone, 20HE) is known to exert multiple effects in mammals, but the response of the thymus and thymocytes to this hormone remains virtually unexplored. In the present study, we observed a bidirectional effect of 20HE on the thymus and its cellular contents.

Ferula sesquiterpenes, ferutinin, galbanic acid and karatavic acid, suppress thymocyte volume regulation and proliferation by blocking the volume-sensitive anion channel.

Background: T cell development and maturation requires efficient cell volume regulation (CVR) system. Although the molecular basis of CVR is being rapidly elucidated, pharmacology of its key components remains poorly developed. Biopharmaceuticals specifically targeting CVR and its central player, the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR/VRAC), are necessary to uncover relationships between the channel, CVR and cell proliferation and survival.