The past, present and future of purine nucleotides as signalling molecules

Voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC-1) contributes to ATP release and cell volume regulation in murine cells

Extracellular ATP regulates several elements of the mucus clearance process important for pulmonary host defense. However, the mechanisms mediating ATP release onto airway surfaces remain unknown. Mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channels (mt-VDACs) translocate a variety of metabolites, including ATP and ADP, across the mitochondrial outer membrane, and a plasmalemmal splice variant (pl-VDAC-1) has been proposed to mediate ATP translocation across the plasma membrane. We tested the involvement of VDAC-1 in ATP release in a series of studies in murine cells. First, the full-length coding sequence was cloned from a mouse airway epithelial cell line (MTE7b⁻) and transfected into NIH 3T3 cells, and pl-VDAC-1-transfected cells exhibited higher rates of ATP release in response to medium change compared with mock-transfected cells. Second, ATP release was compared in cells isolated from VDAC-1 knockout [VDAC-1 (−/−)] and wild-type (WT) mice. Fibroblasts from VDAC-1 (−/−) mice released less ATP than WT mice in response to a medium change. Well-differentiated cultures from nasal and tracheal epithelia of VDAC-1 (−/−) mice exhibited less ATP release in response to luminal hypotonic challenge than WT mice. Confocal microscopy studies revealed that cell volume acutely increased in airway epithelia from both VDAC-1 (−/−) and WT mice after luminal hypotonic challenge, but VDAC-1 (−/−) cells exhibited a slower regulatory volume decrease (RVD) than WT cells. Addition of ATP or apyrase to the luminal surface of VDAC-1 (−/−) or WT cultures with hypotonic challenge produced similar initial cell height responses and RVD kinetics in both cell types, suggesting that involvement of VDAC-1 in RVD is through ATP release. Taken together, these studies suggest that VDAC-1, directly or indirectly, contributes to ATP release from murine cells. However, the observation that VDAC-1 knockout cells released a significant amount of ATP suggests that other molecules also play a role in this function.

Acidosis abolishes the effect of repeated applications of ATP on pulmonary artery force and [Ca2+]i

The purine nucleotide, ATP, can cause receptor-mediated desensitizing contractions of smooth muscle that may be modulated by pH. We investigated in the rat the effect of acidosis upon the contractile and Ca2+ responses induced by ATP upon intrapulmonary artery (PA) smooth muscle. Four successive applications of ATP (300 microM) at pH 7.4 induced desensitising contractile responses that showed progressively decreasing peak amplitudes that correlated with decreases of [Ca2+]i. Acidosis significantly reduced the peak contractile response to the first application of ATP without modifying the rate or degree of desensitisation in response to ATP and without decreasing the [Ca2+]i. Successive applications of ATP did not further reduce contractile force nor [Ca2+]i. These results demonstrated that acidosis abolishes the effect of repeat applications of ATP on pulmonary artery force and [Ca2+]i via alteration in the desensitization-resensitisation characteristics of ATP receptor. This suggest a potentially important physiological role for changes in external pH in the regulation of ATP-mediated control of the pulmonary circulation.

OFF-cholinergic-pathway-selective localization of P2X2 purinoceptors in the mouse retina

It is known that, in the retina, extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inhibits acetylcholine (ACh) release from cholinergic neurons, but the types of purinoceptors on cholinergic neurons have not been examined. In the present work, we immunohistochemically examined the distribution of the purinoceptors P2X1, P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 in relation to the cholinergic system of the retina in wild-type mice and transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Immunoreactivity for P2X2 was very strong in sublamina a of the inner plexiform layer but very weak in sublamina b of the inner plexiform layer of the retina. Immunoreactivity for P2X2 was colocalized with that for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). When transgenic mice were treated with the immunotoxin-mediated cell-targeting technology to ablate cholinergic amacrine cells selectively, immunoreactivity for P2X2 and the signals for GFP disappeared in parallel and selectively in the OFF pathway. The distribution of immunoreactivity for P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7 differed from that of ChAT immunoreactivity. The selective distribution of P2X2 purinergic receptors in OFF-type cholinergic amacrine cells indicates that the P2X2 purinergic signaling systems in the ON and OFF pathways of the inner plexiform layer of the mouse retina are functionally different. The distribution of P2X2 purinoceptors may be responsible for the selective regulation of ACh release in the OFF pathway.

Volume transmission in activity-dependent regulation of myelinating glia

The importance of neural impulse activity in regulating neuronal plasticity is widely appreciated; increasingly, it is becoming apparent that activity-dependent communication between neurons and glia is critical in regulating many aspects of nervous system development and plasticity. This communication takes place not only at the synapse, but also between premyelinating axons and glia, which form myelin in the PNS and CNS. Recent work indicates that neural impulse activity releases ATP and adenosine from non-synaptic regions of neurons, which activates purinergic receptors on myelinating glia. Acting through this receptor system, neural impulse activity can regulate gene expression, mitosis, differentiation, and myelination of Schwann cells (SCs) and oligodendrocytes, helping coordinate nervous system development with functional activity in the perinatal period. ATP and adenosine have opposite effects on differentiation of Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, providing a possible explanation for the opposite effects of impulse activity reported on myelination in the CNS and PNS.

Response to ATP is accompanied by a Ca2+ influx via P2X purinoceptors in the coronary arterioles of golden hamsters

In the vascular wall, adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) released along with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals is considered to play an important role in controlling intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) levels in arteries. The present study examined how vascular smooth muscle cells in coronary arterioles respond to ATP in relation to [Ca2+]i dynamics. For this purpose, the dynamics of [Ca2+]i in the coronary arterioles of golden hamsters was examined by real-time laser scanning confocal microscopy. This technique enabled the visualization of [Ca2+]i changes in response to ATP in the intact coronary arterioles, the ultrastructure of which was well preserved. It was shown that an increase in [Ca2+]i in the arteriole smooth muscle cells was elicited by ATP. While P1 purinoceptor agonists have no effect on this process, P2 purinoceptor agonists were found to induce a [Ca2+]i increase in the smooth muscle cells. Suramin (an antagonist of P2X and P2Y receptors) completely inhibited ATP-induced [Ca2+]i dynamics, but reactive blue 2 (a P2Y receptor antagonist) did not. Uridine-5'-triphosphate (a P2Y receptor agonist) had no effect on [Ca2+]i, but alpha,beta-methylene ATP (a P2X receptor agonist) caused a strong increase in [Ca2+]i. We conclude that smooth muscle cells of the hamster coronary arterioles possess P2X, but not P1 or P2Y purinoceptors. The smooth muscle cells probably respond to extracellular ATP via P2X purinoceptors, resulting in the contraction of the coronary arterioles.

Effect of experimental diabetes on cholinergic, purinergic and peptidergic motor responses of the isolated rat bladder to electrical field stimulation or capsaicin

An attempt has been made to pharmacologically isolate cholinergic, P(2) purinoceptor-mediated and peptidergic (capsaicin-sensitive, tachykinin-mediated) contraction of the guanethidine-treated rat bladder detrusor preparation, in vitro. The effect of experimental diabetes was assessed on these types of contraction. Responses were evoked by electrical field stimulation (single shocks or 1 Hz for 30 s or 10 Hz for 40 s). Single shocks and 1-Hz stimulation were applied in the presence of (a). atropine (1 microM) or (b). P(2) purinoceptor antagonists (50 microM pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid) [PPADS] plus 100 microM suramin. Long-term electrical field stimulation (10 Hz for 40 s) (c). was applied with both atropine and the P(2) purinoceptor antagonists present in the organ bath. The effects of capsaicin (d). and ATP (e). were also studied. Three groups of experimental animals were used: streptozotocin-treated (50 mg.kg(-1) i.p., 8 weeks before the experiment), parallel solvent-treated and untreated rats. (a). Responses to electrical field stimulation in the presence of atropine were reduced by half by PPADS plus suramin, but were resistant to capsaicin tachyphylaxis. They were enhanced in preparations taken from diabetic rats. (b). Contractions to electrical field stimulation in the presence of PPADS plus suramin were reduced by 2/3 by atropine, but were left unchanged by capsaicin or diabetes. (c). Contractions to long-term stimulation had a quick and a sustained phase. Especially the latter was inhibited by capsaicin tachypyhlaxis; it was also strongly reduced in preparations taken from diabetic rats. (d). Contractions to capsaicin (30 nM and 1 microM) were resistant to tetrodotoxin, strongly reduced by a combination of tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists, and slightly reduced in preparations from diabetic animals. Capsaicin (1 microM) had no acute inhibitory action on cholinergic or purinergic responses, nor did it cause relaxation in precontracted preparations treated with tachykinin receptor antagonists. (e) ATP-induced contractions were strongly reduced by PPADS plus suramin (50 plus 100 microM) and to a similar degree by 100 plus 200 microM, respectively. It is concluded that experimental diabetes selectively impairs peptidergic, capsaicin-sensitive responses (especially those that involve impulse conduction) in the rat detrusor preparation. The contractile response to electrical field stimulation that remains after atropine plus the P(2) purinoceptor antagonists has a yet unknown transmitter background.

Purinoceptor expression in regenerating skeletal muscle in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy and in satellite cell cultures

ATP is an important extracellular signaling molecule mediating its effects by activation of P2X and P2Y receptors. P2 receptors are expressed during muscle development, and recent findings demonstrate that ATP can regulate myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. However, the role of purinergic signaling during regeneration of injured skeletal muscle has not been investigated. To examine this process in a clinically relevant system, we used the mouse model of muscular dystrophy (mdx), in which muscle degeneration is rapidly followed by regeneration. The latter process, in vivo muscle regeneration, was the focus of this study, and to study the cellular mechanisms involved in it, a parallel study on normal rat skeletal myoblast cultures was conducted. Using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and electrophysiology, we investigated the expression of the P2X1-7 receptor subtypes and the P2Y1,2,4,6 receptors. Experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the sequential expression of the P2X5, P2Y1, and P2X2 receptors during the process of muscle regeneration. The P2X5 and P2Y1 receptors were expressed first on activated satellite cells, and the P2Y1 receptor was also expressed on infiltrating immune cells. Subsequent P2X2 receptor expression on newly formed myotubes showed significant colocalization with AChRs, suggesting a role in regulation of muscle innervation. Thus, this study provides the first evidence for a role for purinergic signaling in muscle regeneration and raises the possibility of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of muscle disease.

Identification of P2X receptors in cultured mouse and rat parasympathetic otic ganglion neurones including P2X knockout studies

We have used patch-clamp recording from cultured neurones, immunohistochemistry and gene deletion techniques to characterize the P2X receptors present in mouse otic ganglion neurones, and demonstrated the presence of similar receptors in rat neurones. All neurones from wild-type (WT) mice responded to ATP (EC(50) 109 microM), but only 38% also responded to alpha beta-meATP (EC(50) 39 microM). The response to alpha beta-meATP was blocked by TNP-ATP with an IC(50) of 38.6 nM. Lowering extracellular pH and co-application of Zn(2+) potentiated responses to ATP and alpha beta-meATP. In P2X(3)(-/-) mouse otic ganglion, all neurones tested responded to 100 microM ATP with a sustained current, but none responded to alpha beta-meATP. In P2X(2)(-/-) mice, no sustained currents were observed, but 36% of neurones responded to both ATP and alpha beta-meATP with transient currents. In P2X(2)/P2X(3)(Dbl-/-) mice, no responses to ATP or alpha beta-meATP were detected, suggesting that other P2X subunits were not involved. In rat otic ganglia, 96% of neurones responded to both ATP and alpha beta-meATP with sustained currents, suggesting a greater proportion of neurones expressing P2X(2/3) receptors. The maximum response to alpha beta-meATP was 40-60% of that evoked by ATP in the same cell. Immunohistochemistry revealed staining for P2X(2) and P2X(3) subunits in WT mouse otic ganglion neurones, which was absent in knockout animals. In conclusion, we have shown for the first time that at least two distinct P2X receptors are present in mouse and rat otic neurones, probably homomeric P2X(2) and heteromeric P2X(2/3) receptors.

Modulation of adenine nucleotide concentrations in human plasma by erythrocytes and endothelial cells

The regulation of plasma concentrations of adenine nucleotides is unsettled. We tested the possibility of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) at physiological low concentrations by erythrocytes and endothelial cells. Filtered erythrocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated for 15 to 120 s with ADP (10 microM), supplemented with 3H-ADP (2.85 nM) or 14C-ADP (54.6 nM). Enzymatic conversion of ADP to ATP was detected by recovery of the radioactive label in the ATP fraction. ATP was measured in the supernatant using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation, scintillation techniques, and luminometry. Using etheno (epsilon)-labeled ADP (10 microM), the extracellular localization of the conversion was further corroborated. Following ADP application in plasma, no radioactivity was detected in the ATP fraction. However, in erythrocyte suspensions, 12.9% and 9.7% of the label were recovered in the ATP fraction after application of 3H- and 14C-ADP, respectively. Between 15 and 120 s after 3H-ADP application, the 3H-ATP fraction was found to be stable at around 10%. For the range of ADP concentrations studied (10-40 microM), no saturation of ATP production was achieved. The extracellular localization of conversion was supported by the recovery of the epsilon -label in the epsilon -ATP fraction. In contrast, on HUVEC a conversion of epsilon -ADP to epsilon -ATP was not observed. In conclusion, on erythrocytes there is rapid enzymatic conversion of extracellular ADP to ATP which may play a significant role in adjusting adenine nucleotide concentrations in human plasma. In endothelial cells, extracellular conversion of ADP to ATP is of quantitatively minor importance, if it contributes at all.

Chemokine receptors are expressed widely by embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells

We investigated the expression and functions of chemokine receptors in neural progenitor cells isolated from embryonic and adult mice. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated mRNA expression for most known chemokine receptors in neural progenitor cells grown as neurospheres from embryonic (E17) and adult (4-week-old) mice. The expression of CXCR4 receptors was demonstrated further in E17 neurospheres using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, Northern blot analysis and fura-2-based Ca(2+) imaging. Most neurospheres grown from E17 mice responded to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1/CXCL12) in Ca(2+) imaging studies. In addition, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that these neurospheres consisted of dividing cells that uniformly colocalized nestin and CXCR4 receptors. Differentiation of E17 neurospheres yielded astrocytes and neurons exhibiting several different phenotypes, including expression of calbindin, calretinin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamate, and many also coexpressed CXCR4 receptors. In addition, neurospheres grown from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of 4-week-old mice exhibited large increases in Ca(2+) in response to CXCL12 and several other chemokines. In comparison, neurospheres prepared from olfactory bulb of adult mice exhibited only small Ca(2+) responses to CXCL12, whereas neurospheres prepared from hippocampus were insensitive to CXCL12, although they did respond to other chemokines. Investigations designed to investigate whether CXCL12 can act as a chemoattractant demonstrated that cells dissociated from E17 or adult SVZ neurospheres migrated toward an CXCL12 gradient and this was blocked by the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. These results illustrate widespread chemokine sensitivity of embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells and support the view that chemokines may be of general importance in control of progenitor cell migration in embryonic and adult brain.

Ca2+-sensing Transgenic Mice

Genetically encoded signaling proteins provide remarkable opportunities to design and target the expression of molecules that can be used to report critical cellular events in vivo, thereby markedly extending the scope and physiological relevance of studies of cell function. Here we report the development of a transgenic mouse expressing such a reporter and its use to examine postsynaptic signaling in smooth muscle. The circularly permutated, Ca2+-sensing molecule G-CaMP (Nakai, J., Ohkura, M., and Imoto, K. (2001) Nat. Biotechnol. 19, 137-141) was expressed in vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle and functioned as a lineage-specific intracellular Ca2+ reporter. Detrusor tissue from these mice was used to identify two separate types of postsynaptic Ca2+ signals, mediated by distinct neurotransmitters. Intrinsic nerve stimulation evoked rapid, whole-cell Ca2+ transients, or "Ca2+ flashes," and slowly propagating Ca2+ waves. We show that Ca2+ flashes occur through P2X receptor stimulation and ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release, whereas Ca2+ waves arise from muscarinic receptor stimulation and inositol trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release. The distinct ionotropic and metabotropic postsynaptic Ca2+ signals are related at the level of Ca2+ release. Importantly, individual myocytes are capable of both postsynaptic responses, and a transition between Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release and inositol trisphosphate waves occurs at higher synaptic inputs. Ca2+ signaling mice should provide significant advantages in the study of processive biological signaling.

The antirheumatic drug leflunomide inhibits osteoclastogenesis by interfering with receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-stimulated induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1

OBJECTIVE

Suppression of bone destruction is required as part of an effective therapeutic strategy for autoimmune arthritis. Although numerous antirheumatic drugs are in clinical use, little is known about whether they inhibit bone destruction by acting on activated T cells or other cell types, such as bone-resorbing osteoclasts. This study was undertaken to determine whether leflunomide has a direct action on the osteoclast lineage and to gain insights into the molecular basis for the bone-protective effect of leflunomide.

METHODS

The direct effect of leflunomide on osteoclast differentiation was investigated using an in vitro culture system of bone marrow monocyte/macrophages stimulated with receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. The molecular mechanism of the inhibition was analyzed by genome-wide screening. The T cell-independent effect of leflunomide was examined in rag-2(-/-) mice.

RESULTS

Leflunomide blocked de novo pyrimidine synthesis and RANKL-induced calcium signaling in osteoclast precursor cells in vitro; hence, the induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NF-ATc1) was strongly inhibited. The inhibition of this pathway is central to the action of leflunomide, since the inhibition was overcome by ectopic expression of NF-ATc1 in the precursor cells. Leflunomide suppressed endotoxin-induced inflammatory bone destruction even in rag-2(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSION

Leflunomide has a direct inhibitory effect on RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the induction of NF-ATc1, the master switch regulator for osteoclast differentiation. Our study suggests that the direct inhibitory action of leflunomide on osteoclast differentiation constitutes an important aspect in the amelioration of bone destruction, and that the RANKL-dependent NF-ATc1 induction pathway is a promising target for pharmacologic intervention in arthritic bone destruction.

Autonomic Nervous System Pharmacogenomics: A Progress Report

Pharmacogenetics, the inherited basis for interindividual differences in drug response, has rapidly expanded with the advent of new molecular tools and the sequencing of the human genome, yielding pharmacogenomics. We review here recent ideas and findings regarding pharmacogenomics of components of the autonomic nervous system, in particular, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, postsynaptic receptors with which the parasympathetic and sympathetic neurotransmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine, respectively, interact. The receptor subtypes that mediate these responses, M(1-3) muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs), and alpha(1A,B,D)-, alpha(2A,B,C)-, and beta(1,2,3)-adrenergic receptors (AR), show highly variable expression of genetic variants; variants of mAChRs and alpha(1)-ARs are relatively rare, whereas alpha(2)-AR and beta-AR subtype variants are quite common. The largest amount of data is available regarding variants of the latter ARs and represents efforts to associate certain receptor genotypes, most commonly, single nucleotide polymorphisms, with particular phenotypes (e.g., cardiovascular and metabolic responses). In vitro and in vivo studies have yielded inconsistent results; definitive conclusions are limited. We identify several conceptual and methodological problems with available data: sample size, ethnicity, tissue differences, coding versus noncoding variants, limited studies of haplotypes, and interaction among variants. Thus, although progress has been made in identifying genetic variation that influences drug response fo autonomic nervous system components, we are still at the early stages of defining the most critical genetic determinants and their role in human physiology and pharmacology.

Adenosine 5'-(gamma-thio) triphosphate (ATPgammaS) stimulates both P2Y receptors linked to inositol phosphates production and cAMP accumulation in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells

The study was aimed to investigate the existence of at least two kinds of P2Y receptors linked to steroidogenesis in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells (BAFCs). Extracellular nucleotides facilitated steroidogenesis in BAFCs. The potency order was UTP > adenosine 5'-(gamma-thio) triphosphate (ATPgammaS) > ATP > 2-methylthio ATP (2MeSATP) > adenosine 5'-(beta-thio) diphosphate (ADPbetaS) > alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-me-ATP), beta,gamma-methylene ATP (beta,gamma -me-ATP). ATPgammaS (10-100 microM) remarkably stimulated both total inositol phosphates (IPs) production and cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation. Competitive displacement experiments by using [35S]ATPgammaS as a radioactive ligand in BAFCs showed that the potency under these unlabelled ligands was ATPgammaS > ATP > ADPbetaS > 2MeSATP > UTP > alpha,beta-me-ATP, beta,gamma-me-ATP. These suggest that two different binding sites of [35S]ATPgammaS, namely P2Y receptors, exist in BAFCs, and that these receptors are linked to steroidogenesis via distinct second messenger systems in the cells.

P2Y purine receptor responses and expression in the pulmonary circulation of juvenile rabbits

The purine nucleotide ATP mediates pulmonary vasodilation at birth by stimulation of P2Y purine receptors in the pulmonary circulation. The specific P2Y receptors in the pulmonary circulation and the segmental distribution of their responses remain unknown. We investigated the effects of purine nucleotides, ATP, ADP, and AMP, and pyrimidine nucleotides, UTP, UDP, and UMP, in juvenile rabbit pulmonary arteries for functional characterization of P2Y receptors. We also studied the expression of P2Y receptor subtypes in pulmonary arteries and the role of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins, and cytochrome P-450 metabolites in the response to ATP. In conduit size arteries, ATP, ADP, and AMP caused greater relaxation responses than UTP, UDP, and UMP. In resistance vessels, ATP and UTP caused comparable vasodilation. The response to ATP was attenuated by the P2Y antagonist cibacron blue, the NO synthase antagonist N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), and the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor 17-octadecynoic acid but not by the P2X antagonist alpha,beta-methylene ATP or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin in conduit arteries. In the resistance vessels, l-NAME caused a more complete inhibition of the responses to ATP and UTP. Responses to AMP and UMP were NO and endothelium dependent, whereas responses to ADP and UDP were NO and endothelium independent in the conduit arteries. RT-PCR showed expression of P2Y(1), P2Y(2), and P2Y(4) receptors, but not P2Y(6) receptors, in lung parenchyma, pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary artery endothelial cells. These data suggest that distinct P2Y receptors mediate the vasodilator responses to purine and pyrimidine nucleotides in the juvenile rabbit pulmonary circulation. ATP appears to cause NO-mediated vasodilation predominantly through P2Y2 receptors on endothelium.

Ecto-nucleotidase activities in spinal cord of rats changes as function of age

An increase in ADP hydrolysis was observed in spinal cord synaptosomal fractions of 2-month-old Wistar male rats, when compared to other ages (1, 4 and 6 months of age), while no change in ATPase activity was observed. Conversely, in female rats, whilst no change in ADPase activity was observed in the spinal cord synaptosomal fraction, ATPase activity diminished with age, in 1-6-month-old animals. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was higher in the 4-month-old male and female rats in relation to 1 and 2-month-old animals. In the female rats, this activity continued to increase at least until 6 months of age. In conclusion, adenine nucleotides hydrolysis in synaptosomes from rat spinal cord is influenced by age and by gender. Since both ATP and adenosine may act as neuromodulators in the spinal cord, influencing several processes such as nociception, the regulation of ATP-metabolizing enzymes in spinal cord is probably important for the normal function of this tissue at different ages.

P2X2 and P2X3 purinoceptors in the rat enteric nervous system

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate receptors are known to be involved in fast excitatory postsynaptic currents in myenteric neurons of the digestive tract. In the present study, the distribution of P2X2 and P2X3 receptor mRNA was examined by in situ hybridisation while P2X2 and P2X3 receptor protein was localised by immunohistochemical methods. In addition, P2X2 and P2X3 receptors were colocalised with calbindin and calretinin in the myenteric and submucosal plexus. P2X2- and P2X3- immunoreactive neurons were found in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses throughout the entire length of the rat digestive tract from the stomach to the colon. Approximately 60%, 70% and 50% of the ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the gastric corpus, ileum and distal colon, and 56% and 45% in the submucosal plexus of the ileum and distal colon, respectively, showed positive immunoreactivity to the P2X2 receptor. Approximately 10%, 2% and 15% of the ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the gastric corpus, ileum and distal colon, and 62% and 40% in the submucosal plexus of the ileum and distal colon, respectively, showed positive immunoreactivity to the P2X3 receptor. Double-labelling studies showed that about 10-25% of the neurons with P2X2 immunoreactivity in myenteric plexus and 30-50% in the submucosal plexus were found to express calbindin or calretinin. About 80% of the neurons with P2X3 receptor immunoreactivity in the myenteric plexus and about 40% in the submucosal plexus expressed calretinin. Approximately 30-75% of the neurons with P2X3 receptor immunoreactivity in the submucosal plexus expressed calbindin, while none of them were found to express calbindin in the myenteric plexus.

Phospholipase A2 in the central nervous system

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of fatty acids from the sn-2 position of phospholipids. There are more than 19 different isoforms of PLA2 in the mammalian system, but recent studies have focused on three major groups, namely, the group IV cytosolic PLA2, the group II secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), and the group VI Ca(2+)-independent PLA2. These PLA2s are involved in a complex network of signaling pathways that link receptor agonists, oxidative agents, and proinflammatory cytokines to the release of arachidonic acid (AA) and the synthesis of eicosanoids. PLA2s acting on membrane phospholipids have been implicated in intracellular membrane trafficking, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic processes. All major groups of PLA2 are present in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this review is focused on PLA2 and AA release in neural cells, especially in astrocytes and neurons. In addition, because many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory responses, an attempt was made to include studies on PLA2 in cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and neuronal injury due to excitotoxic agents. Information from these studies has provided clear evidence for the important role of PLA2 in regulating physiological and pathological functions in the CNS.

Modeling of basolateral ATP release induced by hypotonic treatment in A6 cells

ATP is released from the basolateral membrane of A6 epithelia in response to hypotonic treatment. This study addresses the problem of ATP diffusion through the permeable supports used to culture the cells. A theoretical analysis of a recently introduced experimental protocol is presented and a model of ATP diffusion through the compartments of the measuring system is proposed. The model provides the ATP profiles near the cell layer and in the measurement chamber. Comparison of results from computer simulations and experimental data showed that the permeable support introduces a marked delay for ATP diffusion, supporting the correlation of apparently time-separated events: the mobilization of Ca(2+) from internal stores and release of ATP from the cell. The model is consistent with experimental data obtained with the luciferin-luciferase pulse protocol and provides an indirect proof of related processes like the closure and opening of the lateral interspace that occur after imposing the hyposmotic shock. The influence of the pore structure of the permeable support in modulating the measured release rates revealed by computer simulation is experimentally validated for two types of Anopore filters.

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.

Axotomy dependent purinergic and nitrergic co-expression

Different lines of evidence indicate that ATP and nitric oxide (NO) play key roles in mediating neuronal responses after cell damage. Purinergic and nitrergic interactions have been proposed in non neural tissues physiological functions and, in different experimental models of brain injury, both purinergic and nitrergic activations have been reported. The present study was planned to ascertain possible relations of these two systems after brain damage. Variations in the expression of the nitric oxide synthase neuronal isoform (nNOS) enzyme, and of two subunits of purinergic ionotrophic receptors (P2X) namely P2X(1) and P2X(2) in precerebellar stations after cerebellar lesion in rats were analyzed and compared. After the lesion nNOS positive cells presented a clear increment followed by a decrement. Conversely, nNOS negative cells presented a rapid decrement in the first postlesional weeks that continued less pronounced afterward. Postlesional nNOS activation was related with time course of P2X(1) and P2X(2) activations. The capacity of the same cells to express both nNOS and P2X markers was investigated immunocytochemically. Confocal microscopy of double immunofluorescence showed a high percentage of co-localization among P2X(1)/nNOS, P2X(2)/nNOS and P2X(1)/P2X(2) in olivary and pontine neurons. In addition, NeuN/P2X(1) and NeuN/P2X(2) double immunofluorescence showed P2X(1) expressed only in neurons while P2X(2) expressed by both neurons and glia. Present data demonstrate that after cerebellar lesion nitrergic and purinergic systems are activated with similar time courses in precerebellar stations. Further, time differences in the relation between nNOS expression and cell survival suggest a multifarious role of NO in mediating cell reaction to axotomy. The tight cellular co-localization and temporal co-activation of purinergic and nitrergic markers indicate possible interactions between these two systems also in the CNS.

Defective P2Y purinergic receptor function: A possible novel mechanism for impaired glucose transport

Extracellular ATP is an ubiquitous mediator that regulates several cellular functions via specific P2 plasma membrane receptors (P2Rs), for which a role in modulating intracellular glucose metabolism has been recently suggested. We have investigated glucose uptake in response to P2Rs stimulation in fibroblasts from type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients and control subjects. P2Rs expression was evaluated by RT-PCR; intracellular calcium release by fluorometry; glucose transporter (GLUT1) translocation by immunoblotting and chemiluminescence; glucose uptake was measured with 2-deoxy-D-[1-(3)H]glucose (2-DOG) and ATP by luminometry. Cells from T2D patients, in contrast to those from healthy controls, showed no increase in glucose uptake after ATP stimulation; extracellular ATP caused, however, a similar GLUT1 recruitment to the plasma membrane in both groups. P2Rs expression did not differ between fibroblasts from diabetic and healthy subjects, but while plasma membrane depolarization, a P2X-mediated response was similar in both groups, no evident intracellular calcium increase was detectable in the cells from the former group. The calcium response in fibroblasts from diabetics was restored by co-incubation with apyrase or hexokinase, suggesting that P2YRs in those cells were normally expressed but chronically desensitised. In support to this finding, fibroblasts from T2D subjects secreted a two-fold larger amount of ATP compared to controls. Pre-treatment with apyrase or hexokinase also restored ATP stimulated glucose uptake in fibroblasts from diabetic subjects. These results suggest that extracellular ATP plays a role in the modulation of glucose transport via GLUT1, and that the P2Y-dependent GLUT1 activation is deficient in fibroblasts from T2D individuals. Our observations may point to additional therapeutic targets for improving glucose utilization in diabetes.

P2 receptors in satellite glial cells in trigeminal ganglia of mice

There is strong evidence for the presence of nucleotide (P2) receptors in sensory neurons, which might play a role in the transmission of pain signals. In contrast, virtually nothing is known about P2 receptors in satellite glial cells (SGCs), which are the main glial cells in sensory ganglia. We investigated the possibility that P2 receptors exist in SGCs in murine trigeminal ganglia, using Ca(2+) imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and immunohistochemistry. We found that ATP caused an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in SGCs. As adenosine had no effect on [Ca(2+)](i), and the P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid largely blocked the response to ATP we conclude that P1 receptors did not contribute to the responses. We obtained the following evidence that the responses to ATP were mediated by metabotropic P2Y receptors: (i) persistence of the responses in Ca(2+)-free solution, (ii) inhibition of the response by cyclopiazonic acid, (iii) [Ca(2+)](i) increases in response to the P2Y agonists uridine triphosphate, adenosine thiodiphosphate, and 2-methylthio ADP, and (iv) failure of the P2X agonist alpha,beta-methylene ATP to elicit a response. Agonists of P2Y(1) receptors and uridine triphosphate, an agonist at P2Y(2) and P2Y(4) receptors, induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases suggesting that at least these P2Y receptor subtypes are present on SGCs. Using an antibody against the P2Y(4) receptor, we found immunopositive SGCs. Patch-clamp recordings of SGCs did not reveal any inward current due to ATP. Therefore, there was no evidence for the activation of ionotropic P2X receptors under the present conditions. The results indicate the presence of functional nucleotide (P2Y) receptors in SGCs.

Activation of purinergic receptor subtypes modulates odor sensitivity

Purinergic nucleotides, including ATP and adenosine, are important neuromodulators of peripheral auditory and visual sensory systems (Thorne and Housley, 1996). ATP released by the olfactory epithelium (OE) after noxious stimuli provides a physiological source for a neuromodulatory substance independent of efferent innervation. Here we show that multiple subtypes of purinergic receptors are differentially expressed in olfactory receptor neurons and sustentacular support cells. Activation of purinergic receptors evoked inward currents and increases in intracellular calcium in cultured mouse olfactory receptor neurons. A mouse olfactory epithelial slice preparation and confocal imaging were used to measure changes in intracellular calcium in response to odors, purinergic receptor (P2R) agonists, or combined odor + P2R agonists. Pharmacological studies show that both P2Y and P2X receptor activation by exogenous and endogenous ATP significantly reduces odor responsiveness. Moreover, purinergic receptor antagonists increase the odor-evoked calcium transient, providing direct evidence that endogenous ATP modulates odor sensitivity via activation of multiple purinergic receptor subtypes in olfactory receptor neurons. Odor activation of G-protein-coupled receptors results in increased cAMP production, opening of cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, influx of Ca2+ and Na+, depolarization of the membrane, and activation of voltage- and Ca2+-gated ion channels. On-cell current-clamp recordings of olfactory receptor neurons from neonatal mouse slices revealed that ATP reduced cyclic nucleotide-induced electrical responses. These data also support the idea that ATP modulates odor sensitivity in mammalian olfactory neurons. Peripheral ATP-mediated odor suppression is a novel mechanism for reduced olfactory sensitivity during exposure to olfactotoxins and may be a novel neuroprotective mechanism.

P2 receptor-mediated Ca2+ transients in rat cerebral artery smooth muscle cells

Significant Ca(2+) release was previously noted with the activation of L-type Ca(2+) current in rat superior cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. Here we examined whether the P(2X) current that is partly carried by Ca(2+) also triggers Ca(2+) release in this preparation. Application of P(2X) agonists evoked membrane currents and concomitant Ca(2+) transients in whole cell voltage-clamped single cells. The expected increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was calculated from the time-integrated P(2X) current by assuming Ca(2+) is the only charge carrier. The measured increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was plotted as a function of the expected increase in [Ca(2+)](i), and Ca(2+)-buffering power was obtained as a reciprocal of the linear fit to this relationship. Both ryanodine, a Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release inhibitor, and cADP ribose, a putative activator of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release, had no significant effects on Ca(2+)-buffering power. These results suggest that Ca(2+) influx through P(2X) receptors does not trigger significant Ca(2+) release. We then examined whether P(2X) responses influence the subsequent P(2Y) response. P(2Y) responses were characterized by measuring the rate of [Ca(2+)](i) increase obtained as the slope of the linear regression to the rising phase of the Ca(2+) transient. During simultaneous application of the P(2X) and P(2Y) agonist, the rate of [Ca(2+)](i) increase was facilitated or suppressed depending on the size of the P(2X) receptor-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) increase. Membrane depolarization close to the Ca(2+) equilibrium potential significantly promoted the rate of [Ca(2+)](i) increase. Our results suggest that the [Ca(2+)](i) increase and membrane depolarization caused by the P(2X) current may regulate the subsequent P(2Y) response.

Presence of functional ATP and dinucleotide receptors in glutamatergic synaptic terminals from rat midbrain

Glutamatergic terminals from rat midbrain were characterized by immunolocalization of synaptophysin and the vesicular glutamate transporters, either VGLUT1 or VGLUT2. Terminals containing these markers represent about 31% (VGLUT1) and 16% (VGLUT2) of the total synaptosomal population. VGLUT1-positive glutamatergic terminals responded to ATP or P1,P 5-di(adenosine-5') pentaphosphate (Ap5A) with an increase in the intrasynaptosomal calcium concentration as measured by a microfluorimetric technique in single synaptosomes. Roughly 20% of the VGLUT1-positive terminals responded to ATP, 13% to Ap5A and 11% to both agonists. Finally 56% of the terminals labeled with the anti-VGLUT1 antibody did not show any calcium increase in response to ATP or Ap5A. A similar response distribution was also observed in the VGLUT2-positive terminals. The Ca2+ responses induced by ATP and Ap5A in the glutamatergic terminals could be selectively inhibited by pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS, 80 micro m) and P1,P 5-di(inosine-5') pentaphosphate (Ip5I, 100 nm), respectively. Both ATP and Ap5A, once assayed in the presence of extrasynaptosomal calcium, were able to induce a concentration-dependent glutamate release from synaptosomal populations, EC50 values being 21 micro m and 38 micro m for ATP and Ap5A, respectively. Specific inhibition of glutamate release was obtained with PPADS on the ATP effect and with Ip5I on the dinucleotide response, indicating that separate receptors mediate the secretory effects of both compounds.

Extracellular ATP as a signaling molecule for epithelial cells

The charge of this invited review is to present a convincing case for the fact that cells release their ATP for physiological reasons. Many of our "purinergic" colleagues as well as ourselves have experienced resistance to this concept, because it is teleologically counter-intuitive. This review serves to integrate the three main tenets of extracellular ATP signaling: ATP release from cells, ATP receptors on cells, and ATP receptor-driven signaling within cells to affect cell or tissue physiology. First principles will be discussed in the Introduction concerning extracellular ATP signaling. All possible cellular mechanisms of ATP release will then be presented. Use of nucleotide and nucleoside scavengers as well as broad-specificity purinergic receptor antagonists will be presented as a method of detecting endogenous ATP release affecting a biological endpoint. Innovative methods of detecting released ATP by adapting luciferase detection reagents or by using "biosensors" will be presented. Because our laboratory has been primarily interested in epithelial cell physiology and pathophysiology for several years, the role of extracellular ATP in regulation of epithelial cell function will be the focus of this review. For ATP release to be physiologically relevant, receptors for ATP are required at the cell surface. The families of P2Y G protein-coupled receptors and ATP-gated P2X receptor channels will be introduced. Particular attention will be paid to P2X receptor channels that mediate the fast actions of extracellular ATP signaling, much like neurotransmitter-gated channels versus metabotropic heptahelical neurotransmitter receptors that couple to G proteins. Finally, fascinating biological paradigms in which extracellular ATP signaling has been implicated will be highlighted. It is the goal of this review to convert and attract new scientists into the exploding field of extracellular nucleotide signaling and to convince the reader that extracellular ATP is indeed a signaling molecule.

Human immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells express the G protein-coupled receptor GPR105 (KIAA0001, P2Y14) and increase intracellular calcium in response to its agonist, uridine diphosphoglucose

Dendritic cells (DC) are essential to the initiation of an immune response due to their unique ability to take-up and process Ag, translocate to lymph nodes, and present processed Ag to naive T cells. Many chemokines, chemokine receptors and other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are implicated in these various aspects of DC biology. Through microarray analysis, we compared expression levels of chemokines, their cognate receptors, and selected GPCRs in human monocytes and in vitro monocyte-derived immature and mature DC. Hierarchical clustering of gene expression clearly distinguishes the three cell types, most notably highlighting exceptional levels of expression of the GPCR GPR105 within the immature monocyte-derived DC (MDDC) gene cluster. Little or no expression was observed within the monocyte and mature MDDC cluster. Putative functionality of the GPR105 receptor was demonstrated by an observed calcium flux in immature MDDC treated with the potent GPR105 agonist, uridine 5'-diphosphoglucose (UDP-glucose), while no response to the nucleotide sugar was seen in monocytes and mature MDDC. This UDP-glucose-induced calcium response was, at least in part, pertussis toxin-sensitive. Moreover, immature MDDC from some donors treated with UDP-glucose exhibit an increase in expression of the costimulatory molecule CD86, which correlates with the intensity of the UDP-glucose-induced calcium flux. Together, these data demonstrate differential expression of GPR105 on immature and mature MDDC and suggest a role for the receptor and its agonist ligand in DC activation.

Adenosine triphosphate inhibits cytokine release from lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia via P2y receptors

Microglial proliferation and activation have been reported to occur after several central nervous system injuries. In this study, we tested the effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on cultured microglia obtained from the spinal cord of rat embryos. The amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1beta and interleukin 6 released from the microglia, which were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/ml), were inhibited by the simultaneous addition of ATP in a dose dependent manner (10-300 microM). We examined the effect of several endogenous purines (ATP, ADP, CTP, UDP, UTP) and P(2)y receptor agonists (ADPbetaS and 2-methylthio-ATP) on LPS-induced TNF-alpha release. The rank order of inhibitory potency of endogenous purines on TNF-alpha release was: ATP>ADP>>UTP>UDP>CTP. The latter three were much less potent than the former two. The addition of 10 microM 2-methylthio-ATP showed a potency similar to 100 microM ATP. The addition of ADPbetaS, however, showed less effect. These endogenous purines and selective ATP receptor agonists showed a similar inhibitory effect in their rank order on LPS-induced interleukin 6 release. We demonstrate that ATP inhibits cytokine release from LPS-activated microglia via metabotropic receptors. The application of P(2)y receptor agonists might be considered as a pharmacological treatment of several pathological conditions of the spinal cord, including toxic immunoreactions.

Differential frequency dependence of P2Y1- and P2Y2- mediated Ca 2+ signaling in astrocytes

ATP is a key extracellular messenger that mediates the propagation of Ca 2+ waves in astrocyte networks in various regions of the CNS. ATP-mediated Ca 2+ signals play critical roles in astrocyte proliferation and differentiation and in modulating neuronal activity. The actions of ATP on astrocytes are via two distinct subtypes of P2Y purinoceptors, P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors (P2Y1Rs and P2Y2Rs), G-protein coupled receptors that stimulate mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+]i) via the phospholipase Cbeta-IP3 pathway. We report here that P2Y1R-mediated and P2Y2R-mediated Ca 2+ responses differentially show two forms of activity-dependent negative feedback. First, Ca 2+ responses mediated by either receptor exhibit slow depression that is independent of stimulation frequency. Second, responses mediated by P2Y1Rs, but not those mediated by P2Y2Rs, show rapid oscillations after high-frequency stimulation. We demonstrate that the oscillations are mediated by recruiting negative feedback by protein kinase C, and we map the site responsible for the effect of protein kinase C to Thr339 in the C terminus of P2Y1R. We propose that frequency-dependent changes in ATP-mediated Ca 2+ signaling pathways may modulate astrocyte function and astrocyte-neuron signaling in the CNS.

Neuroepithelial cells and associated innervation of the zebrafish gill: a confocal immunofluorescence study

Peripheral chemoreceptors responsive to hypoxia have been well characterized in air-breathing vertebrates, but poorly in water-breathers. The present study examined the distribution of five populations of neuroepithelial cells (NECs), putative O(2) chemoreceptors, and innervation patterns in the zebrafish gill using whole-mounts and confocal immunofluorescence. Nerve bundles and fibers of the gill were labeled with zn-12 (a zebrafish-specific neuronal marker) and SV2 antisera and NECs were characterized by serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity (IR), SV2-IR and the purinoceptor P2X(3)-IR. A zn-12-IR nerve bundle extended the length of the gill filament and gave rise to a nerve plexus surrounding the efferent filament artery (eFA) and a rich network of fibers that innervated both serotonergic and nonserotonergic NECs of the filament and lamellar epithelium. Three populations of serotonergic, SV2-IR neurons intrinsic to the gill filaments are described, one of which provided innervation to NECs of the filament epithelium. Degeneration of nerve fibers in gill arches maintained in explant culture for 2 days revealed the extrinsic origin of nerve fibers of the plexus and lamellae and the innervation of filament NECs by both intrinsic and extrinsic fibers. Intrinsic innervation surrounding the eFA survived in explant cultures, suggesting a mechanism of local vascular control within the gill. In addition, NECs survived in explants after degeneration of extrinsic nerve fibers. Thus, NECs of the zebrafish gill are organized in a manner reminiscent of O(2) chemoreceptors of mammalian vertebrates, suggesting a role in respiratory regulation.

Neuron-specific distribution of P2X7 purinergic receptors in the monkey retina

Extracellular ATP is a signaling molecule, working through P2X purinoceptors in the nervous system. P2X7 is a major subtype of the purinoceptors in the brain, where it is expressed mostly in glia cells and considered to work as a trigger of cytolysis. In the rodent retina, however, P2X7 is expressed in several classes of neurons including ganglion cells. In the present study we identified cells immunopositive for P2X7 by double immunolabeling. Immunoreactivity for P2X7 was observed in the inner nuclear layer (INL), the inner plexiform layer (IPL), and the ganglion cell layer (GCL). In the INL, strongly immunopositive cells corresponded to the subpopulation of horizontal cells. In the IPL, fine processes were immunopositive. In the GCL, most of the ganglion cells showed P2X7 immunoreactivity. At the ultrastructural level, immunoreactivity was confirmed in the cytoplasm of ganglion cells. No P2X7 immunoreactivity was found in non-neural cells, i.e., Müller cells or microglia. The immunohistochemical distribution of other purinoceptor subtypes (P2X1, P2X2, and P2X4) was also examined in the monkey retina. Immunoreactivity for P2X1 was strongly detected in a band, in sublamina a of the IPL. The band existed at almost the same level as tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, but did not seem to actually overlap. P2X2 was not expressed in the retina, and P2X4 was only faintly expressed at the scleral margin of the INL. Because P2X7 in the primate retina is expressed exclusively in neurons, it may in this location be involved in neural transmission rather than in cytolysis, as found for glia cells.

Extracellular ATP-induced calcium channel inhibition mediated by P1/P2Y purinoceptors in hamster submandibular ganglion neurons

1. The presence and profile of purinoceptors in neurons of the hamster submandibular ganglion (SMG) have been studied using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. 2. Extracellular application of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) reversibly inhibited voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel (VDCC) currents (I(Ca)) via G(i/o)-protein in a voltage-dependent manner. 3. Extracellular application of uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP), 2-methylthioATP (2-MeSATP), alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-MeATP) and adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) also inhibited I(Ca). The rank order of potency was ATP=UTP>ADP>2-MeSATP=alpha,beta-MeATP. 4. The P2 purinoceptor antagonists, suramin and pyridoxal-5-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2', 4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), partially antagonized the ATP-induced inhibition of I(Ca), while coapplication of suramin and the P1 purinoceptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), virtually abolished I(Ca) inhibition. DPCPX alone partially antagonized I(Ca) inhibition. 5. Suramin antagonized the UTP-induced inhibition of I(Ca), while DPCPX had no effect. 6. Extracellular application of adenosine (ADO) also inhibited I(Ca) in a voltage-dependent manner via G(i/o)-protein activation. 7. Mainly N- and P/Q-type VDCCs were inhibited by both ATP and ADO via G(i/o)-protein betagamma subunits in seemingly convergence pathways.

Macula densa cell signaling involves ATP release through a maxi anion channel

Macula densa cells are unique renal biosensor cells that detect changes in luminal NaCl concentration ([NaCl](L)) and transmit signals to the mesangial cellafferent arteriolar complex. They are the critical link between renal salt and water excretion and glomerular hemodynamics, thus playing a key role in regulation of body fluid volume. Since identification of these cells in the early 1900s, the nature of the signaling process from macula densa cells to the glomerular contractile elements has remained unknown. In patch-clamp studies of macula densa cells, we identified an [NaCl](L)-sensitive ATP-permeable large-conductance (380 pS) anion channel. Also, we directly demonstrated the release of ATP (up to 10 microM) at the basolateral membrane of macula densa cells, in a manner dependent on [NaCl](L), by using an ATP bioassay technique. Furthermore, we found that glomerular mesangial cells respond with elevations in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration to extracellular application of ATP (EC(50) 0.8 microM). Importantly, we also found increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration with elevations in [NaCl](L), when fura-2-loaded mesangial cells were placed close to the basolateral membrane of macula densa cells. Thus, cell-to-cell communication between macula densa cells and mesangial cells, which express P2Y(2) receptors, involves the release of ATP from macula densa cells via maxi anion channels at the basolateral membrane. This mechanism may represent a new paradigm in cell-to-cell signal transduction mediated by ATP.

Involvement of P2Y receptors in the differentiation of haematopoietic cells

The effects of extracellular nucleotides are mediated by multiple P2X ionotropic receptors and G protein-coupled P2Y receptors. These receptors are ubiquitous, but few physiological roles have been firmly identified. In this review article, we present a survey of the functional expression of P2Y receptors in the different haematopoietic lineages by analyzing the selectivity of these cells for the various adenine and uracil nucleotides as well as the second messenger signaling pathways involved. The pharmacological profiles of metabotropic nucleotide receptors are different among myeloid, megakaryoid, erythroid, and lymphoid cells and change during differentiation. A role of P2Y receptors in the differentiation and maturation of blood cells has been proposed: In particular the P2Y(11)receptor seems to be involved in the granulocytic differentiation of promyelocytes and in the maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. It is suggested that the role of P2Y receptors in the maturation of blood cells may be more important than believed so far.

Adenosine triphosphate activates mitogen-activated protein kinase in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian surface epithelial cells

To investigate the role of ATP in ovarian tumorigenesis, the present study examined the expression of the P2U purinoceptor (P2U-R) and effect of ATP on growth stimulation in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells. The immortalized OSE (IOSE) cell lines, including IOSE-29 (pre-neoplastic), IOSE-29EC (neoplastic), and OVCAR-3 (ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line) were used. Our results indicated that P2U-R mRNA was expressed and that ATP exerted a growth-stimulatory effect in IOSE-29, IOSE-29EC, and OVCAR-3. To investigate the mechanism of the growth-stimulatory effect, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) by ATP was examined. Treatment with ATP resulted in MAPK activation in IOSE-29 and IOSE-29EC cells, whereas the stimulatory effect of ATP in cellular proliferation and MAPK activation was completely abolished in the presence of PD98059 (an MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor) and staurosporin (a protein kinase C inhibitor), suggesting that the growth stimulatory effect of ATP is mediated via protein kinase C-dependent MAPK activation in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic OSE cells. In a time-dependent study, ATP significantly increased MAPK activity at 5-20 min in IOSE-29 cells. Activated MAPK declined to control levels after 20 min in these cells. Treatment with ATP significantly induced MAPK activation after 5 min and was sustained for 60 min in IOSE-29EC cells. In addition, treatment with ATP resulted in substantial phosphorylation of Elk-1, the Ets family transcriptional factor, confirming that ATP action is mediated by activation of MAPK. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that P2U-R was expressed and that ATP induced growth stimulation in IOSE and OVCAR-3 cells. Furthermore, treatment with ATP resulted in the activation of an MAPK cascade and phosphorylation of Elk-1 in IOSE-29 and IOSE-29EC cells. These results suggest that the MAPK cascade may be involved in growth stimulation in response to ATP in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic OSE cells.

Integrity of actin-network is involved in uridine 5'-triphosphate evoked store-operated Ca2+ entry in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry channels (SOCs) play an important role in the regulation of diverse non-excitable cell functions. However, the precise mechanism of SOCs activation is still controversial. Uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) was shown to induce Ca(2+) entry in a dihydropyridines-insensitive manner and accelerated steroidogenesis in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells (BAFCs) via the Gq/11 protein-coupled P2Y(2) receptor. Therefore we investigated whether UTP is involved in SOCs activation and the mechanism of UTP-induced SOCs activation. Fura 2-loaded BAFCs were used for the measurement of intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) mobilization. Extracellular UTP evoked Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores followed by an increase in Ca(2+) entry. The Ca(2+) influx elicited by UTP was inhibited not by nifedipine, but by Zn(2+), Cd(2+), and Ni(2+) (potency order: Zn(2+) > Cd(2+) >> Ni(2+)), and the effect of UTP was also attenuated by a phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122). These results indicate that UTP activates SOCs in BAFCs. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) by UTP was attenuated by ML-9, a myosin-light chain kinase inhibitor, and calmodulin inhibitors, W-7 and E6 berbamine, in a concentration-dependent manner. These reagents depolymerized actin filaments with rhodamine staining in BAFCs. Cytochalasin D also inhibited UTP-activated SOCs and depolymerized actin filaments. From these results, we proposed that calcium/calmodulin dependent myosin-light chain kinase is involved in the mobilization of actin filaments and the integrity of actin-network plays an important role in UTP-induced SOCs activation in BAFCs.

Adenosine: a neuron-glial transmitter promoting myelination in the CNS in response to action potentials

Neuronal activity influences myelination of the brain, but the molecular mechanisms involved are largely unknown. Here, we report that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) express functional adenosine receptors, which are activated in response to action potential firing. Adenosine acts as a potent neuron-glial transmitter to inhibit OPC proliferation, stimulate differentiation, and promote the formation of myelin. This neuron-glial signal provides a molecular mechanism for promoting oligodendrocyte development and myelination in response to impulse activity and may help resolve controversy on the opposite effects of impulse activity on myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

P2X(1) receptor-deficient mice establish the native P2X receptor and a P2Y6-like receptor in arteries

The contribution of P2 receptors to vasoconstriction of mouse mesenteric arteries was determined using wild-type (WT) and P2X(1) receptor-deficient (KO) animals. alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) and ATP evoked transient inward currents and constrictions of WT mesenteric arteries. In contrast, alpha,beta-meATP (100 microM) and ATP (100 microM) failed to evoke responses in KO arteries from a range of vascular beds. Nerve stimulation (100 pulses at 10 Hz) evoked constrictions of mesenteric arteries. For WT arteries, the P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2'-5'-disulfonate (PPADS) (30 microM) reduced the amplitude of response by approximately 50%; the residual constriction was abolished by prazosin (0.1 microM). In KO mice, vasoconstriction induced by nerve stimulation was reduced in amplitude by approximately 50%, unaffected by PPADS, but was abolished by prazosin. ADP (1 mM) (a P2Y(1), P2Y(12), and P2Y(13) receptor agonist) was ineffective. Because ATP had no effect on mesenteric artery tone from KO mice, this rules out the contribution of P2Y(2) receptors. The P2Y(4) receptor agonist ITP also failed to contract mesenteric arteries. However, UTP and UDP evoked sustained contractions of mesenteric arteries with similar potency (EC(50) approximately 10 microM). Complementary studies using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that mesenteric arteries express P2Y(1), P2Y(2), and P2Y(6) receptors. These results demonstrate that homomeric P2X(1) receptors underlie the artery smooth muscle P2X receptor phenotype and contribute approximately 50% to sympathetic neurogenic vasoconstriction and indicate the presence of a UTP- and UDP-sensitive P2Y(6)-like receptor, but not vasoconstrictor P2Y(2) or P2Y(4) receptors, on mouse mesenteric arteries.

Comparison of the effect of ATP on intracellular calcium ion dynamics between rat testicular and cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cells

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), when released from neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, interacts with cell surface receptors produces a broad range of physiological responses. The goal of the present study was to examine the issue of whether vascular smooth muscle cells respond to ATP. To this end, the dynamics of the intracellular concentration of calcium ions ([Ca(2+)](i)) in smooth muscle cells in testicular and cerebral arterioles was examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. ATP produced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in arteriole smooth muscle cells. While P1 purinoceptor agonists had no effect on this process, P2 purinoceptor agonists induced a [Ca(2+)](i) increase and a P2 purinoceptor antagonist, suramin, completely inhibited ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics in both arteriole smooth muscle cells. In testicular arterioles, Ca(2+) channel blockers and the removal of extracellular Ca(2+), but not thapsigargin pretreatment, abolished the ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics. In contrast, Ca(2+) channel blockers and the removal of extracellular Ca(2+) did not completely inhibit ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics in cerebral arterioles. Uridine 5'-triphosphate caused an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) only in cerebral arterioles and alpha,beta-methylene ATP caused an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in both testicular and cerebral arterioles. We conclude that testicular arteriole smooth muscle cells respond to extracellular ATP via P2X purinoceptors and that cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cells respond via P2X and P2Y purinoceptors.

ADP-sensitive purinoceptors induce steroidogenesis via adenylyl cyclase activation in bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells

1. The role of P2Y receptors in the production of cAMP and the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) was studied with respect to the regulation of the steroidogenesis in primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical fasciculata cells (BAFCs). 2. ADP and ATP stimulated cAMP production with EC(50) values of 23.7+/-6.8 microM and 40.1+/-5.5 microM, respectively. In contrast, the EC(50) of BzATP for cAMP production was 153.0+/-37.4 microM. Adenosine and AMP (0.1-1000 microM) were much less effective than ADP and ATP. 2MeSADP and UTP did not exert detectable effects. ADP (10 and 100 microM) significantly stimulated steroidogenesis; the process was blocked by an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 (100 microM) but not by the P2Y(1) receptor antagonist MRS2179 (100 microM). 3. Real-time imaging of the PKA activity with the dye ARII, which became less fluorescent upon phosphorylation, revealed that ADP (100 microM) immediately activated PKA. These effects could be mimicked by forskolin (100 microM) and were blocked by the PKA inhibitor H89 (50 microM). UTP (100 microM) did not activate PKA. 4. The cytoplasm harvested from morphologically and electrophysiologically identified single BAFCs contained mRNA for P2Y(2) but not for P2Y(1), P2Y(4), P2Y(11) or P2Y(12) receptors, as confirmed by single-cell RT-PCR amplification (50 cycles). 5. These results suggest an expression of an ADP-sensitive G(s)-coupled purinoceptor in BAFCs. We propose that this not yet described type of P2Y receptor might mediate the extracellular purine-activated steroidogenesis via cAMP/PKA-mediated pathways, independently from the pathways involving InsP(3) production and consequent intracellular Ca(2+) increase.

Size of side-chain at channel pore mouth affects Ca(2+) block of P2X(2) receptor

Effects of amino acid replacement at the channel pore mouth of P2X(2) receptor/channel on multivalent cation channel block were investigated. When Asn(333) was replaced with various amino acid residues with neutral side chains (Gly, Ala, Val, Leu and Ile), the block by Ca(2+) was attenuated according to the sizes of the side chains. The block by La(3+) was also greatest with the Gly-substituted mutant, but this preference was not found for the block by other multivalent cations tested. The side chain at the channel pore mouth may interfere with the access of Ca(2+) block by steric hindrance.

Epidermal growth factor-mediated activation of the ETS domain transcription factor Elk-1 requires nuclear calcium

Cytosolic and nuclear Ca(2+) have been shown to differentially regulate transcription. However, the impact of spatially distinct Ca(2+) signals on mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated gene expression remains unknown. Here we investigated the role of nuclear and cytosolic Ca(2+) signals in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced transactivation of the ternary complex factor Elk-1 using a GAL4-Elk-1 construct. EGF increased Ca(2+) in both the nucleus and cytosol of HepG2 or 293 cells. Pretreatment with the intracellular Ca(2+) chelator bis(2-aminophenyl)ethyleneglycol-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid significantly reduced EGF-induced transactivation of Elk-1, indicating that EGF-stimulated Elk-1 transcriptional activity is dependent on intracellular Ca(2+). To determine the relative contribution of nuclear and cytosolic Ca(2+) signals during EGF-mediated Elk-1 transactivation, Ca(2+) signals in either compartment were selectively impaired by targeted expression of the Ca(2+)-binding protein parvalbumin to either the nucleus or cytosol. Suppression of nuclear but not cytosolic Ca(2+) signals inhibited EGF-induced transactivation of Elk-1. However, suppression of nuclear Ca(2+) signals did not affect the ability of ERK either to become phosphorylated or to undergo translocation to the nucleus in response to EGF. Elk-1 phosphorylation and nuclear localization following EGF stimulation were also unaffected by suppressing nuclear Ca(2+) signals. These results suggest that nuclear Ca(2+) is required for EGF-mediated transcriptional activation of Elk-1 and that phosphorylation of Elk-1 alone is not sufficient to induce its transcriptional activation in response to EGF. Thus, subcellular targeting of parvalbumin reveals a distinct role for nuclear Ca(2+) signals in mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated gene transcription.