Aim To study the effects of L-borneol on the chloride channel and cell volume of human umbili-cal vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Methods Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record chloride currents. The expression of ClC-3 protein was down-regulated by siRNA interference technique. The cell volume was measured by dynamic image analysis. Results 20 nmol·L-1L-borneol significantly activa-ted chloride current in HUVEC (79.59 ± 4.90) pA/pF, which could be inhibited by chloride channel blockers,NPPB and DIDS. The outward current inhib-itory rate of NPPB was (95.57 ± 2.57)%, while that of DIDS was (97.28 ± 6.36)%. The chloride current activated by L-borneol significantly decreased after the silence of ClC-3 (27.03 ± 3.89) pA/pF. Cell volume was markedly reduced by L-borneol (14.38 ± 1.58)%,which was inhibited after NPPB appliance. Conclusion L-borneol can activate ClC-3 chloride channel in HUVECs, which induces Cl- outflow then cell volume decrease.

AIM:To study the effect of ClC-3 gene over-expression on thyroid structure and function in mice. METHODS:Three-months-old FVB mice were used to study the difference of thyroid structure and function between wild-type(WT)mouse and ClC-3 transgene mice.The expression and distribution of ClC-3 in the thyroid of mice were deter-mined by the methods of qPCR,Western blot and immunofluorescence.Behavioral monitoring was performed on the daily activities of mice.Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine(TT3), total thyroxine(TT4)and thyrotropin(TSH) were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Compared with the WT group,the expression of ClC-3 in the thyroid of ClC-3 trans-gene group was significantly increased(P<0.05).The thyroid gland showed obvious hyperplasia and the folliculi glandu-lae thyreoideae was significantly bigger in ClC-3 transgene mice(P<0.05).The weight loss was increased in ClC-3 trans-gene mice(P<0.05).The expression of TT3 and TT4 were significantly higher than that of WT group(P<0.05),but the change of TSH was not obvious.CONCLUSION:ClC-3 over-expression results in thyroid hyperplasia and thyroid hor-mone secretion.This study suggests that ClC-3 is likely to be involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.