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Babou Kammoe RB, Sévigny J. Extracellular nucleotides in smooth muscle contraction. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:116005. [PMID: 38142836 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.116005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides are crucial signalling molecules, eliciting diverse biological responses in almost all organs and tissues. These molecules exert their effects by activating specific nucleotide receptors, which are finely regulated by ectonucleotidases that break down their ligands. In this comprehensive review, we aim to elucidate the relevance of extracellular nucleotides as signalling molecules in the context of smooth muscle contraction, considering the modulatory influence of ectonucleotidases on this intricate process. Specifically, we provide a detailed examination of the involvement of extracellular nucleotides in the contraction of non-vascular smooth muscles, including those found in the urinary bladder, the airways, the reproductive system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, we present a broader overview of the role of extracellular nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Brice Babou Kammoe
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean Sévigny
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Abstract
Purinergic signaling was proposed in 1972, after it was demonstrated that adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) was a transmitter in nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory nerves supplying the guinea-pig taenia coli. Later, ATP was identified as an excitatory cotransmitter in sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and it is now apparent that ATP acts as a cotransmitter in most, if not all, nerves in both the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system (CNS). ATP acts as a short-term signaling molecule in neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and neurosecretion. It also has potent, long-term (trophic) roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death in development and regeneration. Receptors to purines and pyrimidines have been cloned and characterized: P1 adenosine receptors (with four subtypes), P2X ionotropic nucleotide receptors (seven subtypes) and P2Y metabotropic nucleotide receptors (eight subtypes). ATP is released from different cell types by mechanical deformation, and after release, it is rapidly broken down by ectonucleotidases. Purinergic receptors were expressed early in evolution and are widely distributed on many different nonneuronal cell types as well as neurons. Purinergic signaling is involved in embryonic development and in the activities of stem cells. There is a growing understanding about the pathophysiology of purinergic signaling and there are therapeutic developments for a variety of diseases, including stroke and thrombosis, osteoporosis, pain, chronic cough, kidney failure, bladder incontinence, cystic fibrosis, dry eye, cancer, and disorders of the CNS, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's. and Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, and neuropsychiatric and mood disorders.
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Trapero C, Vidal A, Fernández-Montolí ME, Coroleu B, Tresserra F, Barri P, Gómez de Aranda I, Sévigny J, Ponce J, Matias-Guiu X, Martín-Satué M. Impaired Expression of Ectonucleotidases in Ectopic and Eutopic Endometrial Tissue Is in Favor of ATP Accumulation in the Tissue Microenvironment in Endometriosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225532. [PMID: 31698766 PMCID: PMC6888134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a prevalent disease defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as a proinflammatory molecule, promotes and helps maintain the inflammatory state of endometriosis. Moreover, ATP has a direct influence on the two main symptoms of endometriosis: infertility and pain. Purinergic signaling, the group of biological responses to extracellular nucleotides such as ATP and nucleosides such as adenosine, is involved in the biology of reproduction and is impaired in pathologies with an inflammatory component such as endometriosis. We have previously demonstrated that ectonucleotidases, the enzymes regulating extracellular ATP levels, are active in non-pathological endometria, with hormone-dependent changes in expression throughout the cycle. In the present study we have focused on the expression of ectonucleotidases by means of immunohistochemistry and in situ activity in eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis, and we compared the results with endometria of women without the disease. We have demonstrated that the axis CD39-CD73 is altered in endometriosis, with loss of CD39 and CD73 expression in deep infiltrating endometriosis, the most severe, and most recurring, endometriosis subtype. Our results indicate that this altered expression of ectonucleotidases in endometriosis boosts ATP accumulation in the tissue microenvironment. An important finding is the identification of the nucleotide pyrophophatase/phosphodiesterase 3 (NPP3) as a new histopathological marker of the disease since we have demonstrated its expression in the stroma only in endometriosis, in both eutopic and ectopic tissue. Therefore, targeting the proteins directly involved in ATP breakdown could be an appropriate approach to consider in the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Trapero
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Campus Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain; (C.T.); (A.V.); (I.G.d.A.)
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - August Vidal
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Campus Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain; (C.T.); (A.V.); (I.G.d.A.)
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
- Servei d’Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Eulàlia Fernández-Montolí
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
- Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Buenaventura Coroleu
- Salud de la Mujer Dexeus, Hospital Universitari Quiron Dexeus, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (F.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Francesc Tresserra
- Salud de la Mujer Dexeus, Hospital Universitari Quiron Dexeus, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (F.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Pere Barri
- Salud de la Mujer Dexeus, Hospital Universitari Quiron Dexeus, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (B.C.); (F.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Inmaculada Gómez de Aranda
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Campus Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain; (C.T.); (A.V.); (I.G.d.A.)
| | - Jean Sévigny
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
- Départment de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d’Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jordi Ponce
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
- Servei de Ginecologia, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
- Servei d’Anatomia Patològica, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Martín-Satué
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Campus Bellvitge, Universitat de Barcelona, 08907 Barcelona, Spain; (C.T.); (A.V.); (I.G.d.A.)
- Oncobell Program, CIBERONC, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.F.-M.); (J.P.); (X.M.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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Zafrah HA, Alotaibi MF. The effect of extracellular ATP on rat uterine contraction from different gestational stages and its possible mechanisms of action. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 28:209-217. [PMID: 28358713 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying the onset of labor are not fully understood. Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is known to cause uterine contractions in different species but the exact underlying mechanisms are poorly investigated to date. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of extracellular ATP on spontaneous uterine contractions from different gestational stages and to elucidate its possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS Longitudinal uterine strips were obtained from rats in different gestational stages (nonpregnant, late-pregnant, and term-pregnant). The effects of 1 mM ATP were examined on uterine contractions generated spontaneously, depolarized by high-KCl (60 mM), induced by oxytocin (5 nM), in the presence of high external Ca2+, or in the absence of external Ca2+. RESULTS Application of 1 mM extracellular ATP significantly increased the force of spontaneous contraction in uterine strips obtained from all gestational stages with prominent increase in term-pregnant rats compared to other gestations. ATP significantly increased the force induced by depolarization (122%, p=0.010, n=6), oxytocin (129%, p=0.001, n=7), high-Ca2+ (145%, p=0.005, n=6) and it was able to cause transient contraction in the absence of external Ca2+ (33%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Extracellular ATP is able to increase the force and frequency of uterine contractions and its effect increases with the progression of pregnancy and it involves Ca2+ influx and release. These findings open a new window for clinicians to consider ATP as a therapeutic target to control the uterine activity during difficult labors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind A Zafrah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of
| | - Mohammed F Alotaibi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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Milošević M, Petrović S, Veličković N, Grković I, Ignjatović M, Horvat A. ATP and ADP hydrolysis in cell membranes from rat myometrium. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 371:199-208. [PMID: 22956447 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-012-1436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular nucleotides affect female reproductive functions, fertilization, and pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate biochemical characteristics of ATP and ADP hydrolysis and identify E-NTPDases in myometrial cell membranes from Wistar albino rats. The apparent K (m) values were 506.4 ± 62.1 and 638.8 ± 31.3 μM, with a calculated V (max) (app) of 3,973.0 ± 279.5 and 2,853.9 ± 79.8 nmol/min/mg for ATP and ADP, respectively. The enzyme activity described here has common properties characteristic for NTPDases: divalent cation dependence; alkaline pH optimum for both substrates, insensitivity to some of classical ATPase inhibitors (ouabain, oligomycine, theophylline, levamisole) and significant inhibition by suramine and high concentration of sodium azides (5 mM). According to similar apparent K(m) values for both substrates, the ATP/ADP hydrolysis ratio, and Chevillard competition plot, NTPDase1 is dominant ATP/ADP hydrolyzing enzyme in myometrial cell membranes. RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of three members of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family (NTPDase 1, 2, and 8) in rat uterus. These findings may further elucidate the role of NTPDases and ATP in reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Milošević
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences VINČA, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Miyoshi H, Yamaoka K, Urabe S, Kudo Y. ATP-induced currents carried through P2X7 receptor in rat myometrial cells. Reprod Sci 2012; 19:1285-91. [PMID: 22814097 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112450333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The functional significance of purinergic P2 receptors in the myometrium is unclear. We previously reported the ATP-induced ionic currents in rat myometrial cells, causing uterine contractility. The aim of this study is to determine the main P2X receptors that carry the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced currents. STUDY DESIGN We cloned predominantly expressed P2X7 receptors from rat myometrium and transfected into cultured COS-7 cells. Reconstructed P2X7 receptor currents were characterized using the whole-cell patch clamp method. RESULTS Extracellular ATP induced currents through P2X7 receptors with effective concentration (EC(50)) of 155 μmol/L, without desensitization. The myometrial P2X7 receptor was permeable to multiple monovalent cations with conductances ranked as K(+)>Cs(+)>Li(+)>Na(+). It was activated by P2X receptor agonists, with effectiveness ranked as 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (Bz-ATP)>>ATP>αβ-methylene ATP (αβ-MeATP)>2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP)>uridine triphosphate (UTP)>guanosine triphosphate (GTP)>adenosine diphosphate (ADP). These currents were blocked by selective P2X7 receptor antagonists and extracellular Mg(2+). CONCLUSION P2X7 receptors carry ATP-induced currents in rat myometrial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Miyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Higashihiroshima Medical Center, Higashihiroshima, Japan.
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Canlorbe G, Azria E, Michel D, Iung B, Mahieu-Caputo D. Menace d’accouchement prématuré après administration d’adénosine pour la réduction d’une tachycardie supraventriculaire paroxystique à 30 semaines d’aménorrhée : à propos d’un cas. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 30:372-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annfar.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Miyoshi H, Yamaoka K, Urabe S, Kodama M, Kudo Y. Functional expression of purinergic P2X7 receptors in pregnant rat myometrium. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 298:R1117-24. [PMID: 20071613 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00507.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ATP has been reported to enhance the membrane conductance of myometrial cells and uterine contractility. Purinergic P2 receptor expression has been reported in the myometrium, using molecular biology, but the functional identity of the receptor subtype has not been determined. In this study, ATP-induced currents were recorded and characterized in single myometrial cells from pregnant rats using whole cell patch clamping. Extracellular ATP was applied in the range of 10 muM-1 mM and induced currents with an EC(50) of 74 muM, with no desensitization, time dependency, or voltage dependency. The currents induced carried multiple monovalent cations, with conductances ranked as K(+) > Cs(+) > Li(+) > Na(+). They were activated by P2X receptor agonists, with their effectiveness ranked as 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP >> ATP > alphabeta-methylene-ATP > 2-methylthio ATP > or = UTP > or = GTP > ADP. These currents were blocked by the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist 3-[5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1 H-tetrazol-1-yl]methyl pyridine (A-438079). We therefore concluded that ATP-induced currents in rat myometrial cells crossed cell membranes via P2X7 receptors. We further showed that the ATP-induced currents were blocked by extracellular Mg(2+) (IC(50) = 0.26 mM). Clinically, administering extracellular Mg(2+) is known to inhibit uterine contraction. It therefore seems likely that uterine contraction may be induced by raised extracellular ATP and suppressed via Mg(2+) inhibiting P2X7 receptors. Further research is needed into the P2X7 receptor as a therapeutic target in abnormal uterine contraction, as a possible treatment for premature labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Miyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan.
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Kumcu EK, Büyüknacar HSG, Göçmen C, Evrüke IC, Onder S. Differential effect of neocuproine, a copper(I) chelator, on contractile activity in isolated ovariectomized non-pregnant rat, pregnant rat and pregnant human uterus. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 605:158-63. [PMID: 19248249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted to examine effects of a selective copper(I) chelator, neocuproine on the spontaneous or oxytocin-induced contractions in isolated ovariectomized non-pregnant rat, pregnant rat and pregnant human uterus. Uterus activity was evaluated in tissues obtained from bilaterally ovariectomized non-pregnant rats on the 21st day of the operation (n = 24), pregnant rats on the 19-21st day of gestation (n = 24) and women undergoing caesarean section at 38-42 weeks of pregnancy (n = 15). Neocuproine (100 microM) significantly suppressed the amplitude and frequency of the spontaneous contractions in the ovariectomized non-pregnant rat uterus while this agent facilitated the frequency of the spontaneous or oxytocin-induced contractions in the pregnant rat and human uterus without altering the amplitude of these contractions. At high concentration of 200 microM, neocuproine could enhance the amplitude of the contractions in the pregnant uterus. These effects were blocked by a purinergic receptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM) and did not occur following the administration of neocuproine-copper(I) complex or copper(II) chelator cuprizone. alpha, beta-methylene ATP increased the amplitude and frequency of contractions in the pregnant uterus, but not affected the contractions in the ovariectomized non-pregnant rat uterus, and neocuproine potentiated this facilitation effect. However, the suppressive effect of neocuproine on the ovariectomized non-pregnant rat uterus increased in the presence of alpha,beta-methylene ATP. Beta-adrenoceptor blocker, propranolol or nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine did not affect the responses to neocuproine. These findings suggest that neocuproine can affect the uterus contractile activity by modulation purinergic excitatory responses and that copper(I)-sensitive mechanisms may play a role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Karabal Kumcu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey.
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Abstract
Purines appear to be the most primitive and widespread chemical messengers in the animal and plant kingdoms. The evidence for purinergic signalling in plants, invertebrates and lower vertebrates is reviewed. Much is based on pharmacological studies, but important recent studies have utilized the techniques of molecular biology and receptors have been cloned and characterized in primitive invertebrates, including the social amoeba Dictyostelium and the platyhelminth Schistosoma, as well as the green algae Ostreococcus, which resemble P2X receptors identified in mammals. This suggests that contrary to earlier speculations, P2X ion channel receptors appeared early in evolution, while G protein-coupled P1 and P2Y receptors were introduced either at the same time or perhaps even later. The absence of gene coding for P2X receptors in some animal groups [e.g. in some insects, roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans) and the plant Arabidopsis] in contrast to the potent pharmacological actions of nucleotides in the same species, suggests that novel receptors are still to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
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Martín-Satué M, Lavoie EG, Pelletier J, Fausther M, Csizmadia E, Guckelberger O, Robson SC, Sévigny J. Localization of plasma membrane bound NTPDases in the murine reproductive tract. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 131:615-28. [PMID: 19125273 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-008-0551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular nucleotides might influence aspects of the biology of reproduction in that ATP affects smooth muscle contraction, participates in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, and also regulates transepithelial transport, as in oviducts. Activation of cellular nucleotide purinergic receptors is influenced by four plasma membrane-bound members of the ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family, namely NTPDase1, NTPDase2, NTPDase3, and NTPDase8 that differ in their ecto-enzymatic properties. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression profile of the membrane-bound NTPDases in the murine female and male reproductive tracts by immunological techniques (immunolabelling, Western blotting) and by enzymatic assays, in situ and on tissue homogenates. Other than the expected expression on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, NTPDase1 was also detected in Sertoli cells and interstitial macrophages in testes, in ovarian granulosa cells, and in apical cells from epididymal epithelium. NTPDase2 was largely expressed by cells in the connective tissue; NTPDase3 in secretory epithelia, and finally, NTPDase8 was not detected in any of the tissues studied here. In addition, NTPDase6 was putatively detected in Golgi-phase acrosome vesicles of round spermatids. This descriptive study suggests close regulation of extracellular nucleotide levels in the genital tract by NTPDases that may impact specific biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martín-Satué
- Centre de Recherche en Rhumatologie et Immunologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, 2705 Blvd Laurier, Local T1-49, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
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Khanam T, Burnstock G. Changes in expression of P2X1 receptors and connexin 43 in the rat myometrium during pregnancy. Fertil Steril 2007; 88:1174-9. [PMID: 17561003 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.01.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2006] [Revised: 01/22/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of P2X(1) receptors and connexin 43 in gap junctions between smooth muscle cells. Contraction mediated by P2X receptors is known to occur in the bladder and male reproductive tract, and cell-cell coupling of smooth muscle via gap junctions is essential for synchronized rhythmic activity of these tissues. DESIGN We selected for this study rat myometrial smooth muscle during pregnancy and at postpartum day l. SETTING University medical school. ANIMAL(S) Laboratory rats. INTERVENTION(S) Rats were mated and became pregnant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunostaining and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. RESULT(S) The level of P2X(1) receptor expression remained low throughout pregnancy (days 4 to 20) but was greatly up-regulated at day 22 (postpartum day 1). Connexin 43 expression showed a pattern of up-regulation, with progression through pregnancy and peaking near labor, but exhibited a rapid down-regulation after parturition. CONCLUSION(S) The functional significance of the changes in connexin 43 and P2X(1) receptor expression that have been observed is discussed in relation to triggering and modulation of uterine contractility during and after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Khanam
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, United Kingdom
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