On the immunohistochemical distribution of ionotropic P2X receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the rat

ATP has been shown to excite neurones of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) via the activation of P2X receptors. In the present study, the distribution of six P2X receptors (P2X(1)-P2X(6)) within the rat NTS was investigated by peroxidase immunohistochemistry. Immunopositive neurones for P2X receptor subtypes were detected in all divisions of the NTS, although the staining densities differed according to receptor subtype and sub-nuclei. P2X(1)-immunopositive cells were distributed throughout the rostro-caudal extent of the NTS, while varicose fibres were mainly located along the postremal border. P2X(2) immunoreactivity was present in neurones and fibres located throughout the NTS. In the commissural NTS intense staining was observed medial of the solitary tract while in the sub-postremal NTS neurones were observed along the postremal border. A high density of P2X(3)-positive neurones and fibres was observed in the sub-postremal NTS along the border of the area postrema and in the rostral NTS in the medial subdivision. In comparison to the staining observed with the other receptor antibodies, there was considerably reduced P2X(4) receptor immunoreactivity. P2X(4)-positive neurones tended to be more sparsely distributed, and found mainly in the intermediate portion of the commissural NTS, and along the postremal border. In contrast, we observed dense staining for the P2X(5) receptor subtype in a majority of regions within the NTS. The most striking staining was observed in the intermediate subdivision at the level of the sub-postremal NTS and the medial portion of the rostral NTS. P2X(6) immunoreactive neurones were observed in the medial commissural NTS, along the postremal border and in the dorso-medial and medial subdivisions of the rostral NTS.Taken together, our findings confirm the presence of six P2X receptor subtypes within the NTS of the rat, consistent with a neurotransmitter role for ATP in the rat NTS. These results indicate the need for more extensive functional studies to elucidate the roles of the individual and heterodimeric assemblies of P2X receptor subtypes within the NTS.

Point mutations confer loss of ATP-induced human P2X(7) receptor function

Residues considered essential for ATP binding to the human P2X(7) receptor (hP2X(7)R) were investigated. HEK293 cells or Xenopus oocytes were transfected with wild-type or site-directed mutants of hP2X(7)R constructs and channel/pore activity measured in the presence of ATP or 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP). Barium uptake and ethidium influx into HEK293 cells were abolished in cells expressing K193A and K311A mutants, and were partially reduced in cells expressing mutant P210A. K193A and K311A mutations also completely abolished responses to ATP and BzATP in Xenopus oocytes as measured by electrophysiology. These results indicate that K193 and K311 are essential residues in ATP binding in the hP2X(7)R.

Tenascin, E-cadherin and P2X calcium channel receptor expression is increased during rat blastocyst implantation

The calcium-activated cell-adhesion proteins tenascin, E-cadherin and the purinergic (P2X) calcium channel receptors are expressed in an identical spatial and temporal pattern in uterine epithelium in the rat during implantation. On Day 1 of pregnancy (estrous), a diffuse cytoplasmic and specific basement membrane label for each of the proteins was observed throughout the uterine epithelium. On Day 3 of pregnancy, a specific and prominent lateral plasma membrane label for each protein was seen. At the time of implantation on Day 6, an additional and significant increase in the label for each was observed on the apical epithelium. At this time, the label for tenascin in the apical epithelium was increased 2.1-fold (p < 0.0004), that of E-cadherin was increased 2.5-fold (p < 0.0001) and the P2X receptor label was increased 2.0-fold (p < 0.0001). These observations suggest a major role for the calcium-activated adhesion proteins tenascin and E-cadherin in attachment and implantation, with ionic calcium for protein activation possibly provided by the P2X calcium channels. These events occur along the entire length of the uterine epithelium in preparation for blastocyst adhesion.

Distribution of P2X receptors on astrocytes in juvenile rat hippocampus

Recent evidence suggested that ATP acting via ionotropic (P2X) and metabotropic (P2Y) purinergic receptors might be involved in signaling between glial cells and within glial-neuronal networks. In contrast to their neuronal counterpart, the identity of P2X receptors in CNS glial cells is largely unknown. In the present study, antibodies recognizing the subunits P2X1-P2X7 were applied together with the astroglial marker S100beta and nuclear labeling with Hoechst 33342 to investigate semiquantitatively the distribution of the whole set of P2X receptors in astrocytes of the juvenile rat hippocampus. Expression of P2X1-P2X4, P2X6, and P2X7 subunits was observed in astrocytes of various hippocampal subregions, but the cells were completely devoid of P2X5 protein. S100beta-positive cells expressing subunits P2X3-P2X7 occurred evenly in the different subfields, while P2X1- and P2X2-positive astrocytes were distributed more heterogeneously. The staining pattern of P2X subunits also differed at the subcellular level. Antibodies against P2X2 and P2X4 labeled both astroglial cell bodies and processes. Immunoreactivity for P2X1 and P2X6 was mainly confined to somatic areas of S100beta-positive cells, whereas the subunit P2X3 was primarily localized along astroglial processes. Knowledge of the distribution of P2X receptors might provide a basis for a better understanding of their specific role in cell-cell signaling.

Loss of purinergic P2X(3) and P2X(5) receptor innervation in human detrusor from adults with urge incontinence

Activation of purinergic P2X receptors associated with the parasympathetic nerves that supply the human bladder smooth muscle (detrusor) is implicated in control of detrusor contractility. The relative abundance of all seven subtypes colocalized with synaptic vesicles on parasympathetic nerves was examined in specimens from normal adult bladder, infants, and in adults with overactive detrusor contractility and a diagnosis of idiopathic detrusor instability (IDI) to determine whether receptor distribution varied with age or in patients with incontinence. Alteration in control of detrusor innervation was examined with P2X subtype-specific antibodies and an antibody against synaptic vesicles, using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Detrusor samples were taken from: controls, at cystectomy for cancer or cystoscopic biopsy for hematuria (n = 22; age 33-88), child bladder, at surgical correction of vesico-ureteric reflux (n = 21; age 4 months to 2 years), and adults with detrusor instability at cystoscopy-cystodistension (n = 18; age 30-81). Adult specimens contained muscle with large varicosities (1.2 microm) along parasympathetic nerves with colocalized patches of all P2X(1-7) subtypes. Infant bladder revealed little evidence of P2X at age <9 months but approached adult levels at 2 years. Detrusor from IDI patients revealed selective absence of P2X(3) and P2X(5) beneath all the varicosities. This specific lack of P2X(3) and P2X(5) may impair control of detrusor contractility and contribute to the pathophysiology of urge incontinence.

P2X (purinergic) receptor redistribution in rabbit aorta following injury to endothelial cells and cholesterol feeding

The redistribution of purinergic P2X receptor subunits (P2X(1) to P2X(7)) within the rabbit aorta wall three weeks after endothelial balloon injury/cholesterol feeding was examined. P2X(1) receptor cluster density was elevated in the media following balloon injury/cholesterol feeding by about 30% and these clusters appeared on smooth muscle cells throughout the greatly expanded neointima but they did not change significantly on the endothelial cells following balloon injury. P2X(4) clusters were found in high density throughout the media and in very high density in the enlarged neointima following balloon injury, particularly on the endothelial cells where the density increased about 10-fold after balloon injury. P2X(5) clusters were found in high density in the media of normal aorta but with little change following balloon injury. P2X(3), P2X(6) and P2X(7) cluster density was low in normal aorta and remained unchanged following balloon injury. All receptor subunits were found on endothelial cells. It is suggested that the release of ATP from damaged endothelial cells and from smooth muscle cells sufficient to activate P2X(4) receptors may contribute to neointimal proliferation.

Detection of P2X purinergic receptors on human B lymphocytes

B lymphocytes are known to synthesise the P2X7 subtype of the P2X purinergic receptor family; however, the identification of the other six P2X subtypes on these cells has been limited by the absence of specific antibodies. In this study, we used a panel of anti-P2X polyclonal antibodies and confocal microscopy to examine the presence of each P2X receptor on human B lymphocytes. We observed that P2X1, P2X2, P2X4 and P2X7 subtypes, but not P2X3, P2X5 and P2X6 subtypes, are present on B lymphocytes.

The distribution of single P2x1-receptor clusters on smooth muscle cells in relation to nerve varicosities in the rat urinary bladder

The distribution of purinergic (P2x1) receptors on smooth muscle cells in relation to autonomic nerve varicosities in the rat urinary bladder has been determined using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. P2x1 receptors were visualized using rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the extracellular domain of the P2x1 receptor, and varicosities were visualized using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the ubiquitous synaptic vesicle proteoglycan SV2. Two size classes of P2x1 receptor clusters were observed on the smooth muscle cells of the detrusor, namely, a large ellipse of mean long axis 1.23+/-0.21 microm and short axis 0.92+/-0.17 microm and a smaller spherical cluster with a mean diameter of 0.40+/-0.04 microm. The latter occured in much greater numbers than the former in selected areas, with a density as high as 0.8 per microm2 or two orders of magnitude more than the larger-sized clusters. The large clusters are in general located beneath varicosities, with only 4.5% of P2x1 clusters not possessing an overlying varicosity. None of the small clusters was associated with varicosities. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the P2x1 and SV2 labelling at individual varicosities showed that the varicosities were immediately apposed to the P2x1 receptor clusters. On occasions, two or more small SV2-labelled varicosities about 0.7 microm in diameter each with a receptor patch were found juxtaposed to each other; these might represent the splitting up of a single large varicosity. These observations are discussed in relation to the identity of the autonomic neuromuscular junction.

A Glu-496 to Ala polymorphism leads to loss of function of the human P2X7 receptor

The P2X(7) receptor is a ligand-gated cation-selective channel that mediates ATP-induced apoptosis of cells of the immune system. We and others have shown that P2X(7) is nonfunctional both in lymphocytes and monocytes from some subjects. To study a possible genetic basis we sequenced DNA coding for the carboxyl-terminal tail of P2X(7). In 9 of 45 normal subjects a heterozygous nucleotide substitution (1513A-->C) was found, whereas 1 subject carried the homozygous substitution that codes for glutamic acid to alanine at amino acid position 496. Surface expression of P2X(7) on lymphocytes was not affected by this E496A polymorphism, demonstrated both by confocal microscopy and immunofluorescent staining. Monocytes and lymphocytes from the E496A homozygote subject expressed nonfunctional receptor, whereas heterozygotes showed P2X(7) function that was half that of germline P2X(7). Results of transfection experiments showed that the mutant P2X(7) receptor was nonfunctional when expressed at low receptor density but regained function at a high receptor density. This density dependence of mutant P2X(7) function was also seen on differentiation of fresh monocytes to macrophages with interferon-gamma, which up-regulated mutant P2X(7) and partially restored its function. P2X(7)-mediated apoptosis of lymphocytes was impaired in homozygous mutant P2X(7) compared with germline (8.6 versus 35.2%). The data suggest that the glutamic acid at position 496 is required for optimal assembly of the P2X(7) receptor.

Comparative study on the distribution patterns of P2X(1)-P2X(6) receptor immunoreactivity in the brainstem of the rat and the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): association with catecholamine cell groups

The present study investigated the topographical distribution of P2X(1)-P2X(6) receptor subtypes in the rat and common marmoset hindbrain by immunohistochemistry. In addition, double-labeling immunofluorescence was used to determine the extent of colocalization between catecholamine cell groups and the various P2X receptors. The data demonstrate a widespread distribution pattern for all six P2X receptors throughout both the rat hindbrain and the marmoset hindbrain, although distinctions between species, brain nuclei, and P2X receptor subtypes exist. In rat, dense staining for the P2X receptors was found in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), medial vestibular nucleus, and medial and lateral parabrachial nuclei. Moderate staining was observed in the hypoglossal nucleus, cuneate nucleus, inferior olive, prepositus hypoglossi, rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and locus coeruleus. Staining was also observed in the gracile nucleus, the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, and the central pontine gray. In marmoset, prominent P2X receptor-like immunoreactivity occurred in the NTS, medial cuneate nucleus, prepositus hypoglossi, and medial vestibular nucleus. Moderate staining was observed in the area postrema, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, lateral cuneate, lateral reticular, spinal trigeminal nucleus, RVLM, and inferior olive. Immunofluorescent double labeling of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing cells revealed that all subtypes of P2X receptors show some degree of colocalization with TH. The highest proportion of TH and P2X receptor double labeling was in the A5 region (with the P2X(2) subunit), whereas the lowest proportion of double-labeled cells occurred in the C2 region of the NTS for the P2X(5) subunit. These findings support a role for extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate in fast synaptic neurotransmission within the brainstem.

Determination of P2X1alpha-sarcoglycan (adhalin) expression levels in failing human dilated cardiomyopathic left ventricles

This study is concerned with the molecular basis of human idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This disorder affects the entire heart including both atria and ventricles. It is characterized by a progressive dilatation of the ventricles and loss of contractile power that results in an impaired cardiac output. Changes in cellular levels of dystrophin have been reported in patients with muscular dystrophies (Beckers and Duchenne) which manifest as DCM. However, previous studies using Western blots dos Remedios et al., Electrophoresis 1996, 17, 235-238) of samples of left ventricles from DCM patients showed no abnormalities in dystrophin content. P2X receptors are ATP-gated cation channels located in the sarcolemma. They are upregulated by a factor of about two in the atria of DCM patients compared with nondiseased control samples. A dystrophin-associated protein, alpha-sarcoglycan, has recently been shown to be an ecto-ATPase (an extracellular ATPase) capable of regulating ATP concentrations in the space between the cardiomyocytes. In this report we examine the relationship between changes in P2X1 receptors in left ventricle samples from DCM patients and the concentration of alpha-sarcoglycan. We found no evidence for upregulation of P2X1 receptors nor was the expression of alpha-sarcoglycan significantly altered.

Tyrosine kinase A, autonomic and transmitter receptors, but not innervation, are upregulated in the aging rat prostate

In the mature rat ventral prostate, epithelial proliferation is accompanied by significant upregulation of tyrosine kinase A, alpha1B and muscarinic acetylcholine M2 receptors as well as the synaptic vesicle-associated membrane proteins synaptobrevin and SV2 as compared with immature prostate tissue. The adrenergic receptors beta1, alpha2A and alpha1 were also up-regulated and translocated in mature rat prostate tissue. Expression of the Schwann cell/axonal marker S100 remained unchanged. These results are suggestive of a marked increase in metabolic activity, calcium influx and autonomic receptor expression in the aging prostate. These changes were not accompanied by an increase in the number of axons.

The distribution of P2X receptor clusters on individual neurons in sympathetic ganglia and their redistribution on agonist activation

The distribution of P2X receptors on neurons in rat superior cervical ganglia and lability of P2X receptors on exposure to agonists were determined. Antibody labeling of each P2X subtype P2X(1)-P2X(7) showed neurons isolated into culture possessed primarily P2X(2) subunits with others occurring in order P2X(7) > P2X(6) > P2X(3) > P2X(1) > P2X(5) > P2X(4). Application of ATP and alpha,beta-meATP to neurons showed they possessed a predominantly nondesensitizing P2X receptor type insensitive to alpha,beta-meATP, consistent with immunohistochemical observations. P2X(1)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to study the time course of P2X(1) receptor clustering in plasma membranes of neurons and internalization of receptors following prolonged exposure to ATP. At 12-24 h after adenoviral infection, P2X(1)-GFP formed clusters about 1 microm diameter in the neuron membrane. Application of ATP and alpha,beta-meATP showed these neurons possessed a predominantly desensitizing P2X receptor type sensitive to alpha,beta-meATP. Infection converted the major functional P2X receptor type in the membrane to P2X(1). Exposure of infected neurons to alpha,beta-meATP for less than 60 s led to the disappearance of P2X(1)-GFP fluorescence from the cell surface that was blocked by monensin, indicating the chimera is normally endocytosed into these organelles on exposure to agonist.

The purinergic calcium channels P2X1,2,5,7 are down-regulated while P2X3,4,6 are up-regulated during apoptosis in the ageing rat prostate

Subtype-specific antibodies were used to measure purinergic (P2X) receptor expression in the rat prostate. In mature Wistar rats, apoptosis and expression of P2X1, P2X2, P2X5 and P2X7 subtypes were all significantly decreased compared with the levels found in immature rat prostates. Accompanying this age-related reduction in purinergic calcium channel expression was a reduction in epithelial and stromal calcium as well as the calcium-regulating hormone stanniocalcin. In contrast, expression of P2X3, P2X4 and P2X6 increased with age. These results suggest that distinct changes in P2X subtype expression accompany apoptosis in the rat prostate.

P2X(1) receptor membrane redistribution and down-regulation visualized by using receptor-coupled green fluorescent protein chimeras

The P2X(1) purinergic receptor subtype occurs on smooth muscle cells of the vas deferens and urinary bladder where it is localized in two different size receptor clusters, with the larger beneath autonomic nerve terminal varicosities. We have sought to determine whether these synaptic-size clusters only form in the presence of varicosities and whether they are labile when exposed to agonists. P2X(1) and a chimera of P2X(1) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) were delivered into cells using microinjection, transient transfection or infection with a replication-deficient adenovirus. The P2X(1)-GFP chimera was used to study the time course of P2X(1) receptor clustering in plasma membranes and the internalization of the receptor following prolonged exposure to ATP. Both P2X(1) and P2X(1)-GFP clustered in the plasma membranes of Xenopus oocytes, forming patches 4-6 microm in diameter. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, infected with the adenovirus, possessed P2X(1) antibody-labeled regions in the membrane colocalized with GFP fluorescence. The ED(50) for the binding of alpha,beta-methylene adenosine triphosphate (alpha,beta-meATP) to the P2X(1)-GFP chimera was similar to native P2X(1) receptors. ATP-generated whole-cell currents in oocytes or HEK293 cells expressing either P2X(1) or P2X(1)-GFP were similar. Exposure of HEK293 cells to alpha, beta-meATP for 10-20 min in the presence of 5 microM monensin led to the disappearance of P2X(1)-GFP fluorescence from the surface of the cells. These observations using the P2X(1)-GFP chimera demonstrate that P2X(1) receptors spontaneously form synaptic-size clusters in the plasma membrane that are internalized on exposure to agonists.

Distribution of P2X purinoceptor clusters on individual rat dorsal root ganglion cells

The distribution of P2X receptors on the cell bodies of acutely dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion cells has been determined using immunohistochemistry. Only medium and small ganglion cells showed P2X receptor labelling, which took the form of receptor clusters 0. 2-0.5 microm in diameter. P2X(3) was the predominant cluster type although clusters of all other subtypes, P2X(1), P2X(2), P2X(4), P2X(5) and P2X(6) were observed. There was little evidence for colocalization of the different receptor subtypes pointing to very little heteropolymerization of P2X receptors in the ganglion.

Endometrial cell death during early pregnancy in the rat

In a study of early pregnancy in the rat, a high proportion of morphologically apoptotic, TUNEL and P2X7 positive cells were found to be present in the luminal epithelium and stroma prior to implantation. At the time of implantation on Day 6, apoptosis as measured by these indicators was reduced up to 4-fold in the non-implantation uterine epithelium but was markedly increased adjacent to the implanting blastocyst. It is proposed that apoptotic cell death is an important regulatory factor involved in uterine remodelling prior to and during implantation.

Distributional changes of purinergic receptor subtypes (P2X 1-7) in uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy

Expression of each of the purinergic receptor subtypes (P2X7) was studied by immunohistochemical localization in the apical, lateral and basal plasma membranes of rat uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy to the time of implantation on Day 6. Labelling for each P2X subtype was seen in the apical, lateral and basal compartments on Days 1 and 3, except for P2X2 which was only observed in the basement membrane. The P2X5 signal was similar in temporal and spatial expression to the other subtypes, but with a greatly reduced intensity. At the time of implantation on Day 6, this pattern altered dramatically. Apical expression markedly increased for most subtypes while the lateral and basal signals were markedly reduced. The exceptions to this pattern were P2X2, which displayed both a strong basal and apical label, and P2X4 which became de-expressed in all areas. We propose that the changing spatial and temporal expression of the P2X receptors is a significant factor in the regulation of events during early pregnancy. They are expressed in the same location as remodelling. apoptosis, and protein activation events prior to implantation on Day 6. These observations suggest an up-regulation of calcium-mediated events, including cytoskeletal alterations, a decrease in luminal pH and transmembrane molecule activation.

Changes in growth factor expression in the ageing prostate may disrupt epithelial-stromal homeostasis

The alterations in expression of six growth factors known to be regulators of prostatic function have been examined in the ventral lobe of prostates from young adult (14 week) and ageing (1.5 year) Wistar rats. The selected growth factors were transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta1), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). The extracellular matrix growth co-factor thrombospondin (TSP) was also examined. Our study demonstrated a 2.9-fold up-regulation of TGFbeta1 (p < 0.0001), a 2.0-fold increase in FGF2 (p < 0.0002), an 8.3-fold increase in IGF-II (p < 0.0007) and a 5.4-fold increase in EGF (p < 0.0001) in ageing compared to adult prostate tissue. Conversely, we observed a 2.7-fold down-regulation of IGF-I (p < 0.0005), a 1.7-fold decrease in PDGF (p < 0.0097) and a 5.8-fold decrease in TSP (p < 0.0079) in ageing rat prostate tissue. The observed alterations in growth factor expression in this study may be the result or cause of, an imbalance in the proliferative-apoptotic balance during ageing. This imbalance may explain the increase in epithelial proliferation that is characteristic of the normal ageing prostate. As in other systems it seems likely that these factors work synergistically rather than in isolation.

Purinergic responses in HT29 colonic epithelial cells are mediated by G protein alpha -subunits

Using Fura-2 to measure changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), we show that P(2U)receptors in HT29 cells trigger an increase in [Ca(2+)](i)by pertussis toxin-insensitive G proteins. We then use replication-deficient adenoviruses expressing wild-type and dominant negative mutants of G(alpha q)and G(alpha i2), antisense directed against G(alpha q)or the C-terminal fragment of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK-CT) to identify these G proteins. We find the [Ca(2+)](i)response to UTP is not affected by increased expression of the wild-type G(alpha q), wild-type G(alpha i2)or beta ARK-CT, while it is blocked by over-expression of dominant negative G(alpha q). The timecourse of the UTP response is, however, altered by wild-type G(alpha q)and is only weakly inhibited by antisense G(alpha q). This suggests that the P(2U)response is mediated, at least partially, by a G protein distinct from G(alpha q). In contrast, the M(3)muscarinic response is inhibited by over-expression of antisense against G(alpha q), or over-expression of beta ARK-CT, a finding in agreement with our previous observation that the muscarinic response in HT29 cells is mediated by the beta gamma-subunits of G(q). We also find that P(2U)and M(3)receptors do not control identical Ca(2+)stores, suggesting that differential activation of G proteins can lead to Ca(2+)release from distinct stores.

Changes in the distribution of different subtypes of P2X receptor clusters on smooth muscle cells in relation to nerve varicosities in the pregnant rat urinary bladder

Clusters of purinergic receptor subunits, about 1 microm diameter, are found on the smooth muscle cell membrane beneath junctional varicosities in the detrusor muscle of the rat urinary bladder. We have examined the extent of redistribution of the six different subunit clusters, P2X(1) to P2X(6), with respect to junctional varicosities during pregnancy, as it is known that the detrusor muscle undergoes changes in purinergic innervation during this period. Before pregnancy, clusters at junctional varicosities are principally composed of the subtypes P2X(1), P2X(2), P2X(3) and P2X(5). However this subtype distribution changes dramatically during pregnancy, such that by day 14 of pregnancy, the extent of P2X(1), P2X(2), P2X(3) and P2X(5) junctional clusters has decreased by more than 80% whereas the extent of P2X(4) and P2X(6) junctional clusters has increased by more than 80%. These changes were confirmed with Western blots for different subtypes. It is suggested that the changes in the purinergic innervation of the detrusor muscle during pregnancy reflect changes in the P2X subtypes found on the smooth muscle membrane beneath junctional varicosities.

Distribution of purinergic P2X receptors in the rat heart

The distribution of P2X purinergic receptor subtypes has been determined in relation to nerve varicosities in the rat heart with immunohistochemistry. Large clusters (about 1 microm diameter) of co-localised and sometimes co-extensive P2X1 and P2X3 receptors were found at sites of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive axon varicosities in the atrium and the ventricle. Varicosities that were labelled with antibodies to the synaptic vesicle epitope SV2 were frequently labelled also with antibodies to P2X3, P2X5 and P2X6 but not always with antibodies to P2X1. Especially prominent were large numbers of small clusters (about 400 nm diameter) of co-localised P2X2 and P2X5 receptors on the sarcolemma unrelated to nerves at all. During development the 1 day-old heart possessed an abundance of co-localised P2X2 and P2X5 small receptor clusters on the sarcolemma. These observations are discussed in relation to the role of purinergic receptors in the mammalian heart.