ATP stimulation of Ca2+ -dependent plasminogen release from cultured microglia

Purinergic receptors activating rapid intracellular Ca increases in microglia

We provide both molecular and pharmacological evidence that the metabotropic, purinergic, P2Y(6), P2Y(12) and P2Y(13) receptors and the ionotropic P2X(4) receptor contribute strongly to the rapid calcium response caused by ATP and its analogues in mouse microglia. Real-time PCR demonstrates that the most prevalent P2 receptor in microglia is P2Y(6) followed, in order, by P2X(4), P2Y(12), and P2X(7) = P2Y(13). Only very small quantities of mRNA for P2Y(1), P2Y(2), P2Y(4), P2Y(14), P2X(3) and P2X(5) were found. Dose-response curves of the rapid calcium response gave a potency order of: 2MeSADP>ADP=UDP=IDP=UTP>ATP>BzATP, whereas A2P4 had little effect. Pertussis toxin partially blocked responses to 2MeSADP, ADP and UDP. The P2X(4) antagonist suramin, but not PPADS, significantly blocked responses to ATP. These data indicate that P2Y(6), P2Y(12), P2Y(13) and P2X receptors mediate much of the rapid calcium responses and shape changes in microglia to low concentrations of ATP, presumably at least partly because ATP is rapidly hydrolyzed to ADP. Expression of P2Y(6), P2Y(12) and P2Y(13) receptors appears to be largely glial in the brain, so that peripheral immune cells and CNS microglia share these receptors. Thus, purinergic, metabotropic, P2Y(6), P2Y(12), P2Y(13) and P2X(4) receptors might share a role in the activation and recruitment of microglia in the brain and spinal cord by widely varying stimuli that cause the release of ATP, including infection, injury and degeneration in the CNS, and peripheral tissue injury and inflammation which is signaled via nerve signaling to the spinal cord.

Purinergic mediated changes in Ca2+ mobilization and functional responses in microglia: effects of low levels of ATP

Microglia, the immune effector cells of the brain, are stimulated by a diversity of agents to transiently increase levels of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Changes in [Ca2+]i induced by compounds such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serve important roles in cellular signal transduction linking stimuli with cellular functional responses. Purinergic responses in microglia, like that in other cells, are mediated by two families of receptors classified as P2Y and P2X. Activation of metabotropic receptors (P2YR) leads to increased [Ca2+]i due to depletion of intracellular stores, a process that can trigger activation of Ca2+ entry through plasmalemmal store-operated channels (SOC). Activation of ionotropic receptors (P2XR) is associated with influx of Na+ and Ca2+ and efflux of K+ through nonselective cationic channels, leading to cellular depolarization. An intriguing property of purinergic stimulation of microglia is the dependence of cellular responses on agonist concentration. As one example, activation of the subtype P2X7R by higher levels of ATP (millimolar range), leads to a marked enhancement in microglial secretion of inflammatory mediators. Other members of the ionotropic P2XR family sensitive to lower levels of ATP, however, are also important in mediating microglial inflammatory responses in brain. At lower concentrations of ATP (100 microM), activation of SOC in human microglia is not only coupled to P2YR-dependent depletion of internal stores, but is also modulated by ATP binding to a P2XR (not P2X7R). The modulation is consistent with a P2XR-mediated influx of Na+ and inhibition of SOC by depolarization. In this review, a primary focus is placed on the effects of low concentrations of ATP (< or =100 microM) to induce changes in [Ca2+]i and modify functional processes in microglia. In essence, responses mediated by purinergic receptors other than P2X7R are considered.

Purinergic receptor modulation of BV-2 microglial cell activity: potential involvement of p38 MAP kinase and CREB

ATP is abundant in the extracellular fluid following brain injury, and it exerts potent modulatory effects on microglia, whose hyperactivation is thought to exacerbate neuronal damage. We show here that ATP decreases LPS-stimulated iNOS and COX-2 expression and reduces NO release in BV-2 microglia by a mechanism involving p38 MAP kinase. Further, we demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of ATP on NO production occur within 30 min of exposure and correlate with activation of the transcription factor CREB. Together, these data suggest that ATP may exert neuroprotective effects in the brain via a mechanism involving augmented activation of the p38/CREB pathway.

The function of microglia through purinergic receptors: neuropathic pain and cytokine release

Microglia play an important role as immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are activated in threatened physiological homeostasis, including CNS trauma, apoptosis, ischemia, inflammation, and infection. Activated microglia show a stereotypic, progressive series of changes in morphology, gene expression, function, and number and produce and release various chemical mediators, including proinflammatory cytokines that can produce immunological actions and can also act on neurons to alter their function. Recently, a great deal of attention is focusing on the relation between activated microglia through adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) receptors and neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is often a consequence of nerve injury through surgery, bone compression, diabetes, or infection. This type of pain can be so severe that even light touching can be intensely painful and it is generally resistant to currently available treatments. There is abundant evidence that extracellular ATP and microglia have an important role in neuropathic pain. The expression of P2X4 receptor, a subtype of ATP receptors, is enhanced in spinal microglia after peripheral nerve injury model, and blocking pharmacologically and suppressing molecularly P2X4 receptors produce a reduction of the neuropathic pain. Several cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the dorsal horn are increased after nerve lesion and have been implicated in contributing to nerve-injury pain, presumably by altering synaptic transmission in the CNS, including the spinal cord. Nerve injury also leads to persistent activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in microglia. An inhibitor of this enzyme reverses mechanical allodynia following spinal nerve ligation (SNL). ATP is able to activate MAPK, leading to the release of bioactive substances, including cytokines, from microglia. Thus, diffusible factors released from activated microglia by the stimulation of purinergic receptors may have an important role in the development of neuropathic pain. Understanding the key roles of ATP receptors, including P2X4 receptors, in the microglia may lead to new strategies for the management of neuropathic pain.

Astrocyte-derived ATP induces vesicle shedding and IL-1 beta release from microglia

ATP has been indicated as a primary factor in microglial response to brain injury and inflammation. By acting on different purinergic receptors 2, ATP is known to induce chemotaxis and stimulate the release of several cytokines from these cells. The activation of purinergic receptors 2 in microglia can be triggered either by ATP deriving from dying cells, at sites of brain injury or by ATP released from astrocytes, in the absence of cell damage. By the use of a biochemical approach integrated with video microscopy experiments, we investigated the functional consequences triggered in microglia by ATP released from mechanically stimulated astrocytes, in mixed glial cocultures. Astrocyte-derived ATP induced in nearby microglia the formation and the shedding of membrane vesicles. Vesicle formation was inhibited by the ATP-degrading enzyme apyrase or by P2X(7)R antagonists. Isolation of shed vesicles, followed by IL-1beta evaluation by a specific ELISA revealed the presence of the cytokine inside the vesicular organelles and its subsequent efflux into the extracellular medium. IL-1beta efflux from shed vesicles was enhanced by ATP stimulation and inhibited by pretreatment with the P2X(7) antagonist oxidized ATP, thus indicating a crucial involvement of the pore-forming P2X(7)R in the release of the cytokine. Our data identify astrocyte-derived ATP as the endogenous factor responsible for microvesicle shedding in microglia and reveal the mechanisms by which astrocyte-derived ATP triggers IL-1beta release from these cells.

Immune and glial cell factors as pain mediators and modulators

A decade ago the attention of pain scientists was focused on a small number of molecules such as prostaglandin and bradykinin as peripheral pain mediators or modulators. These factors were known to be produced by tissue damage or inflammation, and considered responsible for the activation and sensitization of peripheral pain signaling sensory neurons. A small number of molecules were also identified as central pain mediators, most notably glutamate and substance P released from central nociceptive nerve terminals, and, starting at that time, appreciation that nitric oxide might be produced by dorsal horn neurons and act as a diffusible transmitter to increase excitability of central pain circuits. During the last decade evidence has emerged for many novel pain mediators. The old ones have not disappeared, although their roles have been redefined in some cases. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), for instance, is now recognized as playing a prominent role in CNS as well as peripheral tissues. The newly identified mediators include a variety of factors produced and released from nonneuronal cells-predominantly immune and glial cells. The evidence is now growing apace that these are important mediators of persistent pain states and can act at a number of loci. Here we review the actions of several of these factors-the pro-inflammatory cytokines, some chemokines, and some neurotrophic factors, which, in addition to their traditionally recognized roles, are all capable of changing the response properties of peripheral and central pain signaling neurons. We review these actions, first in periphery, where a substantial literature has accumulated, and then in spinal cord, where the role of factors from nonneuronal cells has only recently been identified as of considerable importance.

ATP receptors in pain sensation: Involvement of spinal microglia and P2X(4) receptors

There is abundant evidence that extracellular ATP and other nucleotides have an important role in pain signaling at both the periphery and in the CNS. At first, it was thought that ATP was simply involved in acute pain, since ATP is released from damaged cells and excites directly primary sensory neurons by activating their receptors. However, neither blocking P2X/Y receptors pharmacologically nor suppressing the expression of P2X/Y receptors molecularly in sensory neurons or in the spinal cord had an effect on acute physiological pain. The focus of attention now is on the possibility that endogenous ATP and its receptor system might be activated in pathological pain states, particularly in neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is often a consequence of nerve injury through surgery, bone compression, diabetes or infection. This type of pain can be so severe that even light touching can be intensely painful; unfortunately, this state is generally resistant to currently available treatments. An important advance in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain has been made by a recent work demonstrating the crucial role of ATP receptors (i.e., P2X₃ and P2X₄ receptors). In this review, we summarize the role of ATP receptors, particularly the P2X₄ receptor, in neuropathic pain. The expression of P2X₄ receptors in the spinal cord is enhanced in spinal microglia after peripheral nerve injury, and blocking pharmacologically and suppressing molecularly P2X₄ receptors produce a reduction of the neuropathic pain behaviour. Understanding the key roles of ATP receptors including P2X₄ receptors may lead to new strategies for the management of neuropathic pain.

Selective expression of Gi/o-coupled ATP receptor P2Y12 in microglia in rat brain

Extracellular nucleotides, including ATP, have been demonstrated to transmit important physiological signals in the brain through either G-protein-coupled P2Y receptors or P2X receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels. In this study, we performed a detailed analysis of the expression of the Gi/o-coupled receptor P2Y12 in the brain. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that P2Y12 is expressed predominantly in the brain, and to a lesser extent in the spleen. The cellular localization of P2Y12 was investigated by in situ hybridization, and P2Y12 mRNA was detected in small cells distributed throughout the brain, including the hippocampus. Expression of P2Y12 was also observed in naive and axotomized facial nuclei, and the number of P2Y12-expressing cells increased following facial nerve axotomy. Selective expression of P2Y12 mRNA in microglia was confirmed by double-label in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against NeuN and Iba1 as an immunohistochemical marker for neurons and microglia, respectively. Hardly any P2Y12 mRNA was detected in macrophages obtained from the spleen and abdominal cavity, which share many surface molecules with microglia.

Production and release of neuroprotective tumor necrosis factor by P2X7 receptor-activated microglia

After a brain insult, ATP is released from injured cells and activates microglia. The microglia that are activated in this way then release a range of bioactive substances, one of which is tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The release of TNF appears to be dependent on the P2X7 receptor. The inhibitors 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-amino-phenylthio]butadiene (U0126), anthra[1,9-cd]pyrazol-6(2H)-one (SP600125), and 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)IH-imidazole (SB203580), which target MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38, respectively, all potently suppress the production of TNF in ATP-stimulated microglia, whereas the production of TNF mRNA is strongly inhibited by U0126 and SP600125. SB203580 did not affect the increased levels of TNF mRNA but did prevent TNF mRNA from accumulating in the cytoplasm. The ATP-provoked activation of JNK and p38 [but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)] could be inhibited by brilliant blue G, a P2X7 receptor blocker, and by genistein and 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, which are general and src-family-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors, respectively. Most important, we found that treatment of the microglia in neuron-microglia cocultures with the P2X7 agonist 2'-3'-O-(benzoyl-benzoyl) ATP led to significant reductions in glutamate-induced neuronal cell death, and that either TNF-alpha converting enzyme inhibitor or anti-TNF readily suppressed the protective effect implied by this result. Together, these findings indicate that both ERK and JNK are involved in the regulation of TNF mRNA expression, that p38 is involved in the nucleocytoplasmic transport of TNF mRNA, and that a PTK (protein tyrosine kinase), possibly a member of the src family, acts downstream of the P2X7 receptor to activate JNK and p38. Finally, our data suggest that P2X7 receptor-activated microglia protect neurons against glutamate toxicity primarily because they are able to release TNF.

Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems

This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.

Signaling of ATP receptors in glia-neuron interaction and pain

ATP causes the activation of p38 or ERK1/2, mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) resulting in the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) from microglia. We examined the effect of TNF and IL-6 on the protection from PC12 cell death by serum deprivation. When PC12 cells were incubated with serum-free medium for 32 hr, their viability decreased to 30 %. IL-6 alone slightly protected the death of PC12 cells, whereas TNF alone did not show any protective effect. In the meanwhile, when PC12 cells were pretreated with TNF for 6 hr and then incubated with IL-6 under the condition of serum-free, the viability of PC12 cells dramatically increased. TNF induced an increase of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) expression in PC12 cells at 4-6 hr. These data suggested that 6 hr pretreatment with TNF increased IL-6R expression in PC12 cells, leading to an enhancement of IL-6-induced neuroprotective action.To elucidate the role of p38 in pathological pain, we investigated whether p38 is activated in the spinal cord of the neuropathic pain model. In the rats displaying a marked allodynia, the level of phospho-p38 was increased in the microglia of injury side in the dorsal horn. Intraspinal administration of p38 inhibitor suppressed the allodynia. These results demonstrate that neuropathic pain hypersensitivity depends upon the activation of p38 signaling pathway in microglia in the dorsal horn following peripheral nerve injury.

P2X7 receptors in rat brain: presence in synaptic terminals and granule cells

ATP stimulates [Ca2+]i increases in midbrain synaptosomes via specific ionotropic receptors (P2X receptors). Previous studies have demonstrated the implication of P2X3 subunits in these responses, but additional P2X subunits must be involved. In the present study, ATP and BzATP proved to be able to induce intrasynaptosomal calcium transients in the midbrain synaptosomes, their effects being potentiated when assayed in a Mg2+-free medium. Indeed, BzATP was shown to be more potent than ATP, and their effects could be inhibited by PPADS and KN-62, but not by suramin. This activity profile is consistent with the presence of functional P2X7 receptors in the midbrain terminals. The existence of presynaptic responses to selective P2X7 agonists could be confirmed by means of a microfluorimetric technique allowing [Ca2+]i measurements in single synaptic terminals. Additionally, the P2X7 receptor protein could be identified in the midbrain synaptosomes and in axodendritic prolongations of cerebellar granule cells by immunochemical staining.

P2X7 nucleotide receptor activation enhances IFN gamma-induced type II nitric oxide synthase activity in BV-2 microglial cells

Under normal and pathological conditions, brain cells release nucleotides that regulate a wide range of cellular responses due to activation of P2 nucleotide receptors. In this study, the effect of extracellular nucleotides on IFN gamma-induced NO release in murine BV-2 microglial cells was investigated. BV-2 cells expressed mRNA for metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors. Among the P2 receptor agonists tested, ATP, ADP, 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP), and 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeSATP), but not UTP, enhanced IFN gamma-induced iNOS expression and NO production, suggesting that the uridine nucleotide receptors P2Y2 and P2Y6 are not involved in this response. U0126, an antagonist for MEK1/2, a kinase that phosphorylates the extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2, decreased IFN gamma-induced NO production. BzATP, a potent P2X7 receptor agonist, was more effective than ATP, ADP, or 2-MeSATP at enhancing IFN gamma-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Consistent with activation of the P2X7 receptor, periodate-oxidized ATP, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, and suramin, a non-specific P2 receptor antagonist, inhibited the effect of ATP or BzATP on IFN gamma-induced NO production, whereas pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), an antagonist of several P2X receptor subtypes, was ineffective. These results suggest that activation of P2X7 receptors may contribute to inflammatory responses in microglial cells seen in neurodegenerative diseases.

Purinergic receptors on microglial cells: functional expression in acute brain slices and modulation of microglial activation in vitro

Microglial cells are the pathologic sensors in the brain. ATP released from damaged cells is a candidate for signalling neural injury to microglia. Moreover, ATP is an extracellular messenger for propagating astrocyte activity in the form of Ca2+ waves. To test for the functional expression of purinoreceptors in microglial cells we employed the patch-clamp technique in acute slices of adult mouse brain. ATP triggered a nonselective cationic and a K+ current. Pharmacological screening with purinergic ligands indicated the presence of P2Y1 and P2Y2/4 receptors linked to the activation of a K+ current and P2X receptors, including P2X7, linked to the activation of a nonselective cationic current. These findings suggest that microglial cells in situ express different purinergic receptors with distinct sensitivity and functional coupling. To test for the involvement of purinoreceptors in microglial activation, we stimulated cultured microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide and measured the release of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-12 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha, induction of K+ outward currents and nitric oxide release. All these parameters were reduced in the presence of purinergic ligands, indicating that purinergic receptor activation attenuated indicators of microglial activation.

Potentiation by ATP of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production in cultured astrocytes

The functional changes of astrocytes are deeply involved in neurodegenerating processes of various CNS diseases. ATP is released during various neuronal damages such as brain ischemia and may control astrocyte functions. We examined the effect of ATP on the production of nitric oxide in the cultured astrocytes from rat embryo. The astrocytes were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide instead of pathological activation in vivo. Nitric oxide production was evaluated by the fluorometric assay of nitrite accumulated in the medium. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was analyzed by Western blotting. Nitric oxide production induced by 1 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide was enhanced by ATP with maximal enhancement of three- to four-fold; a half-effective concentration was about 0.3 mM. In the absence of ATP, half-effective concentration of lipopolysaccharide on nitric oxide production was about 3 ng/ml; however, half-effective concentration shifted to 0.3 ng/ml in the presence of 1.5-mM ATP. Several other P2 receptor agonists (uridine triphosphate, ADP, adenosine monophosphate, 2'- and 3'-O - (4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP, and 2-methylthioATP) showed a similar enhancing effect, and an antagonist, ATP-2',3'-dialdehyde, showed an inhibiting effect. Western blotting analysis revealed that the extent of lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of nitric oxide synthase increased several-fold by the addition of ATP; half-effective concentration was about 0.5 mM. These results suggest that the extracellular ATP plays an important role as a transmitter and regulates astrocyte functions via a certain P2 receptor and that such a change in astrocyte function is involved in either protection or aggravation in neurodegenerative processes.

[Mechanism of production and release of tumor necrosis factor implicated in inflammatory diseases]

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a potent inflammatory cytokine involved in many pathophysiological conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Despite recent evidence regarding signal transduction via TNF receptor and its biological actions, the mechanism of TNF release remains poorly understood. To clarify how production and release of TNF are regulated, we focused on mast cells and microglia which are involved in allergic inflammation and brain damage or recovery, respectively. In RBL-2H3 mast cells, anti-allergic drugs including azelastine inhibited the release of TNF more potently than degranulation in response to antigen or ionomycin. It was also demonstrated that TNF releasing steps are regulated via the PKC alpha-dependent pathway. Furthermore, Rho GTPases, possibly Rac, were shown to be involved in antigen-induced TNF transcription through activating PKC beta I. In cultured rat brain microglia, we found that extracellular ATP triggers the release of TNF via the P2X7 receptor. ERK and JNK are also involved in ATP-induced TNF transcription, while p38 regulates the transport of TNF mRNA from the nucleus to the cytosol. Additionally, JNK and p38, but not ERK, are activated via the P2X7 receptor. A better understanding of the specific pathways that regulate TNF release for each effector cell may offer further possible therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases.

Reciprocal interactions between microglia and neurons: from survival to neuropathology

Microglia represent a major cellular component of the brain, where they constitute a widely distributed network of immunoprotective cells. During the last decades, it has become clear that the functions traditionally ascribed to microglia, i.e. to dispose of dead cells and debris and to mediate brain inflammatory states, are only a fraction of a much wider repertoire of functions spanning from brain development to aging and neuropathology. The aim of the present survey is to critically discuss some of these functions, focusing in particular on the reciprocal microglia-neuron interactions and on the complex signaling systems subserving them. We consider first some of the functional interactions dealing with invasion, proliferation and migration of microglia as well as with the establishment of the initial blueprint of neural circuits in the developing brain. The signals related to the suppression of immunological properties of microglia by neurons in the healthy brain, and the derangement from this physiological equilibrium in aging and diseases, are then examined. Finally, we make a closer examination of the reciprocal signaling between damaged neurons and microglia and, on these bases, we propose that microglial activation, consequent to neuronal injury, is primarily aimed at neuroprotection. The loss of specific communication between damaged neurons and microglia is viewed as responsible for the turning of microglia to a hyperactivated state, which allows them to escape neuronal control and to give rise to persistent inflammation, resulting in exacerbation of neuropathology. The data surveyed here point at microglial-neuron interactions as the basis of a complex network of signals conveying messages with high information content and regulating the most important aspects of brain function. This network shares similar features with some fundamental principles governing the activity of brain circuits: it is provided with memory and it continuously evolves in relation to the flow of time and information.

Selective inflammatory stimulations enhance release of microglial response factor (MRF)-1 from cultured microglia

The mrf-1 gene has been isolated from microglia exposed to cultured cerebellar granule neurons undergoing apoptosis. We have shown that mrf-1 is upregulated in response to neuronal death and degeneration both in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact role of MRF-1 remains unknown. Here we show that MRF-1 is released from cultured rat microglia, and its release is greatly enhanced under inflammatory conditions. When microglia were treated with ATP, the amount of MRF-1 that was released increased 10-fold compared to the basal level of release. Enhanced MRF-1 release was induced within 10 min and peaked within 1 h; after approximately 4 h, the MRF-1 release had returned to normal. MRF-1 release was stimulated by 2-methyl-thio-ATP (five-fold) and a P2X(7) selective agonist, 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (ten-fold). Moreover, the ATP-stimulated MRF-1 release was inhibited by a P2X(7) selective antagonist, oxidized ATP (oATP), and also under a Ca(2+)-free condition. These results indicate that the effects of ATP are dependent on Ca(2+) influx through P2X(7) receptors. MRF-1 release was enhanced by Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 (sixfold), thapsigargin (threefold); however, it was not enhanced by glutamate or lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, a platelet-activating factor enhanced microglial MRF-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. We also showed that a conditioned medium from cerebellar granule neurons undergoing apoptosis markedly increased MRF-1 release from microglia; that effect was significantly inhibited by oATP. These results indicate that selective inflammatory stimulations, including ATP and PAF, enhance MRF-1 release from microglia through a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism and suggest that MRF-1 may play a role in cell-cell interactions under inflammatory conditions.

Microglial activation by purines and pyrimidines

Microglial activation by purines and pyrimidines is reviewed, with emphasis on the actions of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on chemotaxis or releases of plasminogen and cytokines from microglia. ATP activates microglia, causing morphological changes with membrane ruffling. Activated microglia exhibit chemotaxis to ATP. Microglia stimulated by a low concentration of ATP (approximately 30-50 microM) rapidly release plasminogen (within 5-10 min), which may protect neurons. Microglia stimulated by a higher concentration of ATP release tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), 2-3 h after the stimulation and interleukin-6 (IL-6), 6 h after the stimulation. It is reported that TNF-alpha stimulation causes an increase in the expression of IL-6 receptor mRNA and expression in neuronal cells (März et al. 1996. Brain Res 706:71-79). After binding with gp130, the IL-6 receptor matures and can accept IL-6 molecules. It is speculated that neurons may require several hours to prepare for the full reception of IL-6, which induces a more efficient protective effect by IL-6 after stimulation with TNF-alpha. After neurons are ready to accept IL-6 fully, microglia release IL-6 to neurons. Stronger and longer stimulation by ATP may change the function of microglia and cause cell death. The conditions evoking the heavy stimulation would result from serious injury. Activated microglia act as scavenger cells that induce apoptosis in damaged neurons by releasing toxic factors, including NO, and removing dead cells, their remnants, or dangerous debris by phagocytosis. These actions lead to a suitable environment for tissue repair and neural regeneration. The fate of neurons may therefore be regulated in part by ATP through the activation of microglia.

ATP selectively suppresses the synthesis of the inflammatory protein microglial response factor (MRF)-1 through Ca(2+) influx via P2X(7) receptors in cultured microglia

Microglia are known to express purinergic receptors for extracellular ATP of both P2Y and P2X subtypes. In the CNS, ATP is released from neurons and acts as a signal between neurons and glia. The mrf-1 gene encodes a 17-kDa protein with a single calcium-binding (EF-hand) motif and is expressed specifically in microglia. The gene was isolated from activated microglia in response to apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons in culture and is upregulated in response to neuronal death and degeneration in vivo. We have found that ATP suppresses the synthesis of the inflammation-related protein MRF-1 in cultured rat microglia. When microglia were treated with ATP (1 mM) for 6 h, mrf-1 mRNA levels decreased to approximately 50% compared to those in the control. This effect was dependent on both the treatment period and the dose of ATP. After ATP (1 mM) treatment for 16 h, levels of mrf-1 mRNA decreased to 37.3% and MRF-1 levels decreased to 55.0% compared to those in the control. A decrease in MRF-1 or its mRNA was also induced by benzoylbenzoyl-ATP (0.1 mM), a P2X(7) receptor-selective agonist, and by the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (2 micro M), dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). Moreover, ATP modified neither the MRF-1 degradation rate nor total protein synthesis. These results indicate that ATP selectively suppresses MRF-1 synthesis at the transcription level via Ca(2+) influx through P2X(7) receptors.

P2Y and P2X purinoceptor mediated Ca2+ signalling in glial cell pathology in the central nervous system

Activation of purinoceptors by extracellular ATP is an important component of the glial response to injury in the central nervous system (CNS). ATP has been shown to evoke raised cytosolic [Ca(2+)] in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia, the three major glial cell types in the CNS. Glial cells express a heterogenous collection of metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X purinoceptors, which respectively mobilise Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and trigger Ca(2+) influx across the plasmalemma. It is likely that different receptors have distinct roles in glial cell physiology and pathology. Our studies on optic nerve glia in situ indicate that P2Y(1) and P2Y(2/4) receptors are activated at low ATP concentrations, suggesting they are the predominant purinoceptors mediating physiological Ca(2+) signalling. Glia also express P2X(1) and P2X(3) purinoceptors, which mediate fast, rapidly desensitising current and may also be important in signalling. At high concentrations, such as occur in CNS injury, ATP induces large and prolonged increases in glial [Ca(2+)](i) with a primary role for P2Y purinoceptors and inositol trisphosphate (IP(3))-dependent release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. In addition, we found that high concentrations of ATP activated a significant P2X component that did not desensitise or saturate and was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). These are characteristic properties of the P2X(7) subtype, and we provide in situ evidence that application of the P2X(7) receptor agonist benzoyl-benzoyl ATP (BzATP) evokes raised [Ca(2+)](i) in optic nerve glia, and that the dye YO-PRO-1, which passes through pore-forming P2X(7) receptors, is taken up by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Glia also express P2X(2) and P2X(4) receptors that are also pore-forming in the presence of sustained high ATP concentrations and which may also be important in the glial injury response. There is evidence that activation of P2 purinoceptors is a key step in triggering reactive changes in glial cells, including expression of immediate early genes, induction of extracellular signal regulated kinase and cyclooxygenase-2, synthesis of phospholipase A(2), release of arachidonic acid, production of prostaglandins and release of interleukins. We show that the ATP-mediated increase in glial [Ca(2+)](i) is potentiated by arachidonic acid and reduced by the inhibition of phospholipase A(2) inhibition. Together, the results implicate ATP as a primary signalling molecule in glial cells and indicate specific roles for P2Y and P2X purinoceptors in glial cell pathology.

Involvement of P2X7 receptors in the regulation of neurotransmitter release in the rat hippocampus

Although originally cloned from rat brain, the P2X7 receptor has only recently been localized in neurones, and functional responses mediated by these neuronal P2X7 receptors (P2X7 R) are largely unknown. Here we studied the effect of P2X7 R activation on the release of neurotransmitters from superfused rat hippocampal slices. ATP (1-30 mm) and other ATP analogues elicited concentration-dependent [3 H]GABA outflow, with the following rank order of potency: benzoylbenzoylATP (BzATP) > ATP > ADP. PPADS, the non-selective P2-receptor antagonist (3-30 microm), Brilliant blue G (1-100 nm) the P2X7 -selective antagonist and Zn2+ (0.1-30 microm) inhibited, whereas lack of Mg2+ potentiated the response by ATP. In situ hybridization revealed that P2X7 R mRNA is expressed in the neurones of the cell body layers in the hippocampus. P2X7 R immunoreactivity was found in excitatory synaptic terminals in CA1 and CA3 region targeting the dendrites of pyramidal cells and parvalbumin labelled structures. ATP (3-30 microm) and BzATP (0.6-6 microm) elicited concentration-dependent [14 C]glutamate efflux, and blockade of the kainate receptor-mediated transmission by CNQX (10-100 microm) and gadolinium (100 microm), decreased ATP evoked [3 H]GABA efflux. The Na+ channel blocker TTX (1 microm), low temperature (12 degrees C), and the GABA uptake blocker nipecotic acid (1 mm) prevented ATP-induced [3 H]GABA efflux. Brilliant blue G and PPADS also reduced electrical field stimulation-induced [3 H]GABA efflux. In conclusion, P2X7 Rs are localized to the excitatory terminals in the hippocampus, and their activation regulates the release of glutamate and GABA from themselves and from their target cells.

Mechanisms underlying extracellular ATP-evoked interleukin-6 release in mouse microglial cell line, MG-5

Microglia play various important roles in the CNS via the synthesis of cytokines. The ATP-evoked production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its intracellular signals were examined using a mouse microglial cell line, MG-5. ATP, but not its metabolites, produced IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner. Although ATP activated two mitogen-activated protein kinases, i.e. p38 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, only p38 was involved in the IL-6 induction. However, the activation of p38 was not sufficient for the IL-6 induction because 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) ATP, an agonist to P2X7 receptors, failed to produce IL-6 despite the fact that it activated p38. Unlike in other cytokines in microglial cells, P2Y rather than P2X7 receptors seem to have a major role in the IL-6 production by the cells. The ATP-evoked IL-6 production was attenuated by Gö6976, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase C (PKC). The P2Y receptor responsible for these responses was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX) and was linked to phospholipase C. Taken together, ATP acting on PTX-insensitive P2Y receptors activates p38 and Ca(2+)-dependent PKC, thereby resulting in the mRNA expression and release of IL-6 in MG-5. This is a novel pathway for the induction of cytokines in microglia.

Immunoregulation of microglial functional properties

Microglia are the resident tissue macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma and are key players in the initiation of an inflammatory response. Microglia rapidly transform from a resting to an activated morphology in response to a variety of disease states. However, they can also be the target of infections, as in the case of HIV. Many of the effector properties of microglia can be attributed to the array of substances they secrete in response to stimuli such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide, cytokines, and chemokines. The products of activated microglia include: cytokines (pro- and anti-inflammatory), chemokines, nitric oxide, superoxide radicals, and proteases. Furthermore, microglia have the ability to present antigen to T cells, migrate in response to chemotactic stimuli, and phagocytose cell debris. This report focuses on the immunomodulatory functions of microglia, with particular attention to chemokines, and highlights their pivotal role in the CNS.

Differential assembly of rat purinergic P2X7 receptor in immune cells of the brain and periphery

ATP-gated P2X(7) purinoceptors are found in most immune cells of the periphery and the brain where their activation leads to multiple downstream events such as cell permeabilization, apoptosis, and/or cytokine release. P2X(7) receptors do not form heteromeric receptors with any of the other six P2X subunits, and it is not known what type of homomeric assemblies the P2X(7) subunit makes. We constructed and purified an ectodomain protein of the rat P2X(7) receptor (amino acids 60-323) and used this to generate a monoclonal antibody (Ab) with which to probe P2X(7) receptors in central and peripheral immune cells. In HEK cells expressing rat P2X(7) receptors, the Ab increased the maximum current evoked by BzATP by 3-8-fold with a 5-fold leftward shift in EC(50) concentration. This Ab recognized only a non-denatured, multimeric form of the receptor on blue native-PAGE but did not recognize the denatured form on SDS-PAGE. A C-terminal polyclonal P2X(7) Ab recognized both monomeric subunits on SDS-PAGE and a multimeric complex on blue native-PAGE in this heterologous expression system. With Western blotting using these two Abs, native P2X(7) receptors in peritoneal macrophage and bone marrow cells are shown to exist as a strongly bound multimeric complex, whereas P2X(7) receptors in brain glia and/or astrocytes appear to form only as monomeric subunits.

Extracellular ATP or ADP induce chemotaxis of cultured microglia through Gi/o-coupled P2Y receptors

The initial microglial responses that occur after brain injury and in various neurological diseases are characterized by microglial accumulation in the affected sites of brain that results from the migration and proliferation of these cells. The early-phase signal responsible for this accumulation is likely to be transduced by rapidly diffusible factors. In this study, the possibility of ATP released from injured neurons and nerve terminals affecting cell motility was determined in rat primary cultured microglia. Extracellular ATP and ADP induced membrane ruffling and markedly enhanced chemokinesis in Boyden chamber assay. Further analyses using the Dunn chemotaxis chamber assay, which allows direct observation of cell movement, revealed that both ATP and ADP induced chemotaxis of microglia. The elimination of extracellular calcium or treatment with pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid, suramin, or adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulfate did not inhibit ATP- or ADP-induced membrane ruffling, whereas AR-C69931MX or pertussis toxin treatments clearly did so. As an intracellular signaling molecule underlying these phenomena, the small G-protein Rac was activated by ATP and ADP stimulation, and its activation was also inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These results strongly suggest that membrane ruffling and chemotaxis of microglia induced by ATP or ADP are mediated by G(i/o)-coupled P2Y receptors.

Extracellular ATP or ADP induce chemotaxis of cultured microglia through Gi/o-coupled P2Y receptors

The initial microglial responses that occur after brain injury and in various neurological diseases are characterized by microglial accumulation in the affected sites of brain that results from the migration and proliferation of these cells. The early-phase signal responsible for this accumulation is likely to be transduced by rapidly diffusible factors. In this study, the possibility of ATP released from injured neurons and nerve terminals affecting cell motility was determined in rat primary cultured microglia. Extracellular ATP and ADP induced membrane ruffling and markedly enhanced chemokinesis in Boyden chamber assay. Further analyses using the Dunn chemotaxis chamber assay, which allows direct observation of cell movement, revealed that both ATP and ADP induced chemotaxis of microglia. The elimination of extracellular calcium or treatment with pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid, suramin, or adenosine-3'-phosphate-5'-phosphosulfate did not inhibit ATP- or ADP-induced membrane ruffling, whereas AR-C69931MX or pertussis toxin treatments clearly did so. As an intracellular signaling molecule underlying these phenomena, the small G-protein Rac was activated by ATP and ADP stimulation, and its activation was also inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These results strongly suggest that membrane ruffling and chemotaxis of microglia induced by ATP or ADP are mediated by G(i/o)-coupled P2Y receptors.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA and production of nitric oxide are induced by adenosine triphosphate in cultured rat microglia

The effect of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on the expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and production of nitric oxide in cultured rat microglia was examined. ATP induced iNOS mRNA dose-dependently (100-1,000 microM). The induction began within 1 h after addition of ATP (100 microM) with peak expression occurring at 6 h. The release of nitric oxide to culture medium was significantly increased by the treatment with ATP (100 and 1,000 microM) for 12 and 24 h. These results indicate that ATP is a potential mediator to induce iNOS mRNA expression and NO production in microglia.

Extracellular ATP triggers tumor necrosis factor-alpha release from rat microglia

Brain microglia are a major source of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which have been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, microglia were revealed to be highly responsive to ATP, which is released from nerve terminals, activated immune cells, or damaged cells. It is not clear, however, whether released ATP can regulate TNF-alpha secretion from microglia. Here we demonstrate that ATP potently stimulates TNF-alpha release, resulting from TNF-alpha mRNA expression in rat cultured brain microglia. The TNF-alpha release was maximally elicited by 1 mM ATP and also induced by a P2X(7) receptor-selective agonist, 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate, suggesting the involvement of P2X(7) receptor. ATP-induced TNF-alpha release was Ca(2+)-dependent, and a sustained Ca(2+) influx correlated with the TNF-alpha release in ATP-stimulated microglia. ATP-induced TNF-alpha release was inhibited by PD 098059, an inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) kinase 1 (MEK1), which activates ERK, and also by SB 203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. ATP rapidly activated both ERK and p38 even in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). These results indicate that extracellular ATP triggers TNF-alpha release in rat microglia via a P2 receptor, likely to be the P2X(7) subtype, by a mechanism that is dependent on both the sustained Ca(2+) influx and ERK/p38 cascade, regulated independently of Ca(2+) influx.

Involvement of Iba1 in membrane ruffling and phagocytosis of macrophages/microglia

Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1, is an EF hand calcium binding protein whose expression is restricted to macrophages/microglia. In this study, Iba1 was shown to colocalize with F-actin in membrane ruffles induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and in phagocytic cups formed during zymosan phagocytosis. Expression of mutant Iba1 carrying either N- or C-terminal deletions or carrying a substitution in the calcium binding domain, suppressed the membrane ruffling and the phagocytosis. These results indicate that Iba1 is a key molecule in membrane ruffling and the phagocytosis of macrophages/microglia. Furthermore, Iba1 colocalized with a small GTPase Rac in the membrane ruffles and the phagocytic cups. The Iba1 mutants also suppressed membrane ruffling induced by dominant active Rac1V12, but do not affect microspikes by Cdc42V12 and stress fibers by RhoAV14. These observations suggest that Iba1 is involved in Rac and calcium signaling pathways.

P2 Purinoceptor expression and functional changes of hypoxia-activated cultured rat retinal microglia

P(2) purinoceptors appear to modulate microglia function, but their role in hypoxic microglia has not been investigated. We examined in postnatal rat retinal microglia cultured under hypoxic (1% oxygen) condition, their P2 expression, proliferation and cytokine release in the presence or absence of the P2 receptor agonists and antagonists. Fura-2 fluorescence measurements of intracellular Ca(2+) rises to P2 receptor agonists and antagonists indicated that both P(2U) and P(2Z) were expressed in hypoxic microglia. Hypoxia induced BrdU incorporation and release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as well. The P(2U) agonist, UTP, maintained the BrdU incorporation, whereas the P(2Z) agonist, BzATP, suppressed it, but significantly enhanced IL-1beta and TNF-alpha release, suggesting that the P(2U) response may underlie the mitotic activity, and that of P(2Z), the IL-1beta and TNF-alpha release of hypoxia-activated microglia.

AMPA-kainate subtypes of glutamate receptor in rat cerebral microglia

Microglial cells were isolated from rat cerebral cortex, and kainate (KA)-induced inward current was measured at a holding potential of -40 or -60 mV. 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione-sensitive KA-induced currents increased with increasing KA concentration. The half-activation concentration and Hill coefficient were 3.3 x 10(-4) M and 1.4, respectively. Although glutamate (Glu) and AMPA-induced currents were much smaller than that induced by KA, all KA-, Glu-, and AMPA-induced currents were greatly and consistently enhanced in the presence of cyclothiazide (CTZ). On the other hand, KA-induced currents were much less sensitive to potentiation by concanavain A, suggesting that the KA-induced response in rat microglia is predominantly mediated by AMPA-preferring receptors (subunits GluR1-GluR4). The current-voltage relationships of KA- and AMPA-CTZ-induced currents were almost linear or slightly outward rectifying. The reversal potential of KA-induced current shifted to negative potentials (from +4 to -40 mV) on switching from high Na(+) to high Ca(2+) external solution, indicating the low Ca(2+) permeability through the AMPA-KA receptor channel complexes. AMPA-KA receptor expression was studied with immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR, from which GluR2, GluR3, GluR4, and GluR5 were identified. Lower levels of mRNAs for GluR7 and KA-1-KA-2 were also indicated. Finally, activation of these receptors with KA or Glu significantly enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These results suggest that primary cultured rat microglia possesses functional Glu receptor, which may mediate neuron to microglia communication in the physiological and pathological states.

AMPA-kainate subtypes of glutamate receptor in rat cerebral microglia

Microglial cells were isolated from rat cerebral cortex, and kainate (KA)-induced inward current was measured at a holding potential of -40 or -60 mV. 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione-sensitive KA-induced currents increased with increasing KA concentration. The half-activation concentration and Hill coefficient were 3.3 x 10(-4) M and 1.4, respectively. Although glutamate (Glu) and AMPA-induced currents were much smaller than that induced by KA, all KA-, Glu-, and AMPA-induced currents were greatly and consistently enhanced in the presence of cyclothiazide (CTZ). On the other hand, KA-induced currents were much less sensitive to potentiation by concanavain A, suggesting that the KA-induced response in rat microglia is predominantly mediated by AMPA-preferring receptors (subunits GluR1-GluR4). The current-voltage relationships of KA- and AMPA-CTZ-induced currents were almost linear or slightly outward rectifying. The reversal potential of KA-induced current shifted to negative potentials (from +4 to -40 mV) on switching from high Na(+) to high Ca(2+) external solution, indicating the low Ca(2+) permeability through the AMPA-KA receptor channel complexes. AMPA-KA receptor expression was studied with immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR, from which GluR2, GluR3, GluR4, and GluR5 were identified. Lower levels of mRNAs for GluR7 and KA-1-KA-2 were also indicated. Finally, activation of these receptors with KA or Glu significantly enhanced the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These results suggest that primary cultured rat microglia possesses functional Glu receptor, which may mediate neuron to microglia communication in the physiological and pathological states.

Confocal calcium imaging reveals an ionotropic P2 nucleotide receptor in the paranodal membrane of rat Schwann cells

1. The paranodal Schwann cell region is of major importance for the function of a myelinated axon. In the present study we searched for a possible ionotropic effect of extracellular ATP in this Schwann cell compartment. 2. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cultured rat Schwann cells revealed that ATP and 2'-3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate (BzATP) induced a non-specific cation current. The effect of ATP was much enhanced in a Ca2+- and Mg2+-free solution. ADP, UTP and alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (alpha,beta-meATP) had no effect. 3. Confocal Ca2+ imaging of myelinating Schwann cells in isolated rat spinal roots showed a BzATP-induced rise in the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the paranodal Schwann cell cytoplasm whereas alpha,beta-meATP and 2-(methylthio)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate were without effect. In contrast to the known metabotropic effect of UTP on these Schwann cell regions, the BzATP-induced Ca2+ signal was not transient, was unaffected by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores and dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. 4. These results suggest that an ionotropic ATP receptor with electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics of the P2X7 subtype of nucleotide receptors is functionally active in myelinating Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. Such a receptor might contribute to Schwann cell reactions in nerve injury or neuropathy.

Evidence that multiple P2X purinoceptors are functionally expressed in rat supraoptic neurones

1. The expression, distribution and function of P2X purinoceptors in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, and Ca2+-imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, respectively. 2. RT-PCR analysis of all seven known P2X receptor mRNAs in circular punches of the SON revealed that mRNAs for P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X6 and P2X7 receptors were expressed in the SON, and mRNAs for P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 were predominant. 3. In situ hybridization histochemistry for P2X3 and P2X4 receptor mRNAs showed that both mRNAs were expressed throughout the SON and in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). 4. ATP caused an increase in [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner with an ED50 of 1.7 x 10-5 M. The effects of ATP were mimicked by ATPgammaS and 2-methylthio ATP (2MeSATP), but not by AMP, adenosine, UTP or UDP. alphabeta-Methylene ATP (alphabetaMeATP) and ADP caused a small increase in [Ca2+]i in a subset of SON neurones. 5. The P2X7 agonist 2'- & 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP) at 10-4 M increased [Ca2+]i, but the potency of BzATP was lower than that of ATP. In contrast, BzATP caused a more prominent [Ca2+]i increase than ATP in non-neuronal cells in the SON. 6. The effects of ATP were abolished by extracellular Ca2+ removal or by the P2 antagonist pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS), and inhibited by extracellular Na+ replacement or another P2 antagonist, suramin, but were unaffected by the P2X7 antagonist oxidized ATP, and the inhibitor of Ca2+-ATPase in intracellular Ca2+ stores cyclopiazonic acid. 7. Two patterns of desensitization were observed in the [Ca2+]i response to repeated applications of ATP: some neurones showed little or moderate desensitization, while others showed strong desensitization. 8. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed that ATP induced cationic currents with marked inward rectification. The ATP-induced currents exhibited two patterns of desensitization similar to those observed in the [Ca2+]i response. 9. The results suggest that multiple P2X receptors, including P2X3, are functionally expressed in SON neurones, and that activation of these receptors induces cationic currents and Ca2+ entry. Such ionic and Ca2+-signalling mechanisms triggered by ATP may play an important role in the regulation of SON neurosecretory cells.

ATP receptors for the protection of hippocampal functions

The inhibitory effects of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) are reviewed in the present paper. ATP inhibits the release of the excitatory transmitter glutamate and stimulates the release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA from hippocampal neurons. Also, ATP activates potassium conductance directly through G protein, resulting in hyperpolarization of membrane potential. ATP activates microglia to secrete plasminogen that promotes the development of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and enhances neurite outgrowth from explants of neocortical tissue. Moreover, ATP may protect hippocampal neurons from excitotoxic cell death by preserving mitochondrial function. Thus, ATP may have a role in the protection of the function of hippocampus from over-stimulation by glutamate.