Periodate oxidized ATP (oATP) reduces hyperalgesia in mice: involvement of P2X7 receptors and implications for therapy

Characterization of Common Genetic Variants in P2RX7 and Their Contribution to Chronic Pain Conditions

The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-gated channel P2X7 is encoded by a gene enriched for common nonsynonymous variants. Many of these variants have functional cellular effects, and some have been implicated in chronic pain. In this study, we first systematically characterized all 17 common nonsynonymous variants using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. Then, we analyzed these variants for statistical association with chronic pain phenotypes using both individual P2RX7 variants as predictors and cumulative allele counts of same-direction cellular effect in univariate models. Association and validation analyses were conducted in the Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment (OPPERA) cohort (N = 3260) and in the Complex Persistent Pain Conditions (CPPC) cohort (N = 900), respectively. Our results showed an association between allele A of rs7958311 and an increased risk of chronic pelvic pain, with convergent evidence for contribution to fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, confirmed in a meta-analysis. This allelic variant produced a unique cellular phenotype: a gain-of-function in channel opening, and a loss-of-function in pore opening. A computational study using a 12-state Markov model of ATP binding to the P2X7 receptor suggested that this cellular phenotype arises from an increased ATP binding affinity and an increased open channel conductance combined with a loss of sensitization. Cumulative allele count analysis did not provide additional insights. In conclusion, our results go beyond reproducing association for rs7958311 with chronic pain and suggest that its unique combination of gain-of-function in channel and loss-of-function in pore activity may explain why it is likely the only common P2RX7 variant with contribution to chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: This study characterizes all common P2RX7 variants using cellular assays and statistical association analyses with chronic pain, with Markov state modeling of the most robustly associated variant.

Glial Cells of the Central Nervous System: A Potential Target in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is one of the most common diseases of the male urological system while the etiology and treatment of CP/CPPS remain a thorny issue. Cumulative research suggested a potentially important role of glial cells in CP/CPPS. This narrative review retrospected literature and grasped the research process about glial cells and CP/CPPS. Three types of glial cells showed a crucial connection with general pain and psychosocial symptoms. Microglia might also be involved in lower urinary tract symptoms. Only microglia and astrocytes have been studied in the animal model of CP/CPPS. Activated microglia and reactive astrocytes were found to be involved in both pain and psychosocial symptoms of CP/CPPS. The possible mechanism might be to mediate the production of some inflammatory mediators and their interaction with neurons. Glial cells provide a new insight to understand the cause of complex symptoms of CP/CPPS and might become a novel target to develop new treatment options. However, the activation and action mechanism of glial cells in CP/CPPS needs to be further explored.

P2X7 receptor-activated microglia in cortex is critical for sleep disorder under neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) is associated with sleep disturbances, which may substantially influence the quality of life. Clinical and animal studies demonstrated that neurotransmitter is one of the main contributors to cause sleep disturbances induced by NP. Recently, it was reported that P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) are widely expressed in microglia, which serves crucial role in neuronal activity in the pain and sleep-awake cycle. In this study, we adopted the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model to establish the progress of chronic pain and investigated whether P2X7R of microglia in cortex played a critical role in sleep disturbance induced by NP. At electroencephalogram (EEG) level, sleep disturbance was observed in mice treated with CCI as they exhibited mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, and inhibition of P2X7R ameliorated these changes. We showed a dramatic high level of P2X7R and Iba-1 co-expression in the cortical region, and the inhibition of P2X7R also adversely affected it. Furthermore, the power of LFPs in ventral posterior nucleus (VP) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) which changed in the CCI group was adverse after the inhibition of P2X7R. Furthermore, inhibition of P2X7R also decreased the VP-S1 coherence which increased in CCI group. Nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated inhibition of P2X7R decreased glutamate (Glu) levels in thalamic and cortical regions which were significantly increased in the CCI mice. Our findings provide evidence that NP has a critical effect on neuronal activity linked to sleep and may built up a new target for the development of sleep disturbances under chronic pain conditions.

Andrographolide Inhibits Mechanical and Thermal Hyperalgesia in a Rat Model of HIV-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Aim: In this study, we investigated whether andrographolide (Andro) can alleviate neuropathic pain induced by HIV gp120 plus ddC treatment and the mechanism of its action. Methods: The paw withdrawal threshold and the paw withdrawal latency were observed to assess pain behaviors in all groups of the rats, including control group, control combined with Andro treatment group, sham group, gp120 combined with ddC treatment group, gp120 plus ddC combined with A438079 treatment group, and gp120 plus ddC combined with Andro treatment by intrathecally injecting at a dose of 25 μg/20 μl group. The protein expression levels of the P2X7 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-α-receptor (TNFα-R), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) (p-ERK) in the L4-L6 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were measured by western blotting. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to test the mRNA expression level of the P2X7 receptor. Double-labeling immunofluorescence was used to identify the co-localization of the P2X7 receptor with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in DRG. Molecular docking was performed to identify whether the Andro interacted perfectly with the rat P2X7 (rP2X7) receptor. Results: Andro attenuated the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in gp120+ddC-treated rats and down-regulated the P2X7 receptor mRNA and protein expression in the L4-L6 DRGs of gp120+ddC-treated rats. Additionally, Andro simultaneously decreased the expression of TNFα-R and IL-1β protein, increased the expression of IL-10 protein in L4-L6 DRGs, and inhibited the activation of ERK signaling pathways. Moreover, Andro decreased the co-expression of GFAP and the P2X7 receptor in the SGCs of L4-L6 DRG on 14th day after surgery. Conclusion: Andro decreased the hyperalgesia induced by gp120 plus ddC.

Inflammatory Compounds: Neuropeptide Substance Pand Cytokines

Inflammatory diseases represent one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and they affect the functions of several tissues. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves release of many pro-inflammatory mediators such as cytokines/chemokines, histamine, C3a, C5a (complement components), bradykinin, leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, LTE4), PAF, and substance P, in addition to anti-inflammatory molecules. Recently, it has been demonstrated that neuroimmune interactions are important in the initiation and progress of inflammatory processes. Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide that is released from nerve endings in many tissues. It acts via membrane-bound NK1 receptors (NK1R). Inflammatory and neuropeptides such as substance P stimulate the release of chemokines, in particular IL-8, a potent neutrophil chemoattractant. Expression of IL-8 is regulated mainly by the transcription factors NF-kappaB, activating protein-1. Substance P plays an important role in immunological and inflammatory states, and it is a mediator of tissue injury, asthma, arthritis, allergy and autoimmune diseases. In this article, our studies revisited the interrelationship between these two powerful inflammatory compounds: substance P and cytokines. These observations suggest that these inflammatory molecules may represent a potential therapeutic target to treat several inflammatory states.

Mast Cells and Arachidonic Acid Cascade in Inflammation

Prostaglandin D2 PGD2 is a major cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid produced by mast cells and it is released following allergen challenge in diseases, such as allergic diseases. PGD2 may act as a neuromodulator and as an allergic and inflammatory mediator. In allergic diseases, activated mast cell synthesizes prostaglandin D2 (first cyclo-oxygenate mediator) which has bronchoconstrictive and vasodilating effects and attracts several leukocytes. It has been found that activated mast cells, challenged with physiological and non- physiological secretagogues, release elevated histamine and tryptase and chymase, leukotrienes B4, C4 and D4, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, PGD2, Platelet Activating Factor (PAF), heparin, and high-molecular-weight neutrophil chemotactic factor and cytokines/chemokines. PGD2 exerts its biological activity through the DP and CRTH2 receptors and their cDNA cloning which were characterized 15 years ago. In this report, we revisited the biological effects of arachidonic acid compounds released by activated mast cells in allergic and inflammatory states.

Nociceptive transmission and modulation via P2X receptors in central pain syndrome

Painful sensations are some of the most frequent complaints of patients who are admitted to local medical clinics. Persistent pain varies according to its causes, often resulting from local tissue damage or inflammation. Central somatosensory pathway lesions that are not adequately relieved can consequently cause central pain syndrome or central neuropathic pain. Research on the molecular mechanisms that underlie this pathogenesis is important for treating such pain. To date, evidence suggests the involvement of ion channels, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-gated cation channel P2X receptors, in central nervous system pain transmission and persistent modulation upon and following the occurrence of neuropathic pain. Several P2X receptor subtypes, including P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7, have been shown to play diverse roles in the pathogenesis of central pain including the mediation of fast transmission in the peripheral nervous system and modulation of neuronal activity in the central nervous system. This review article highlights the role of the P2X family of ATP receptors in the pathogenesis of central neuropathic pain and pain transmission. We discuss basic research that may be translated to clinical application, suggesting that P2X receptors may be treatment targets for central pain syndrome.

Understanding autoimmunity: The ion channel perspective

Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that orchestrate the passage of ions across the cell membrane and thus regulate various key physiological processes of the living system. The stringently regulated expression and function of these channels hold a pivotal role in the development and execution of various cellular functions. Malfunction of these channels results in debilitating diseases collectively termed channelopathies. In this review, we highlight the role of these proteins in the immune system with special emphasis on the development of autoimmunity. The role of ion channels in various autoimmune diseases is also listed out. This comprehensive review summarizes the ion channels that could be used as molecular targets in the development of new therapeutics against autoimmune disorders.

The P2X7 receptor channel: recent developments and the use of P2X7 antagonists in models of disease

The P2X7 receptor is a trimeric ATP-gated cation channel found predominantly, but not exclusively, on immune cells. P2X7 activation results in a number of downstream events, including the release of proinflammatory mediators and cell death and proliferation. As such, P2X7 plays important roles in various inflammatory, immune, neurologic and musculoskeletal disorders. This review focuses on the use of P2X7 antagonists in rodent models of neurologic disease and injury, inflammation, and musculoskeletal and other disorders. The cloning and characterization of human, rat, mouse, guinea pig, dog, and Rhesus macaque P2X7, as well as recent observations regarding the gating and permeability of P2X7, are discussed. Furthermore, this review discusses polymorphic and splice variants of P2X7, as well as the generation and use of P2X7 knockout mice. Recent evidence for emerging signaling pathways downstream of P2X7 activation and the growing list of negative and positive modulators of P2X7 activation and expression are also described. In addition, the use of P2X7 antagonists in numerous rodent models of disease is extensively summarized. Finally, the use of P2X7 antagonists in clinical trials in humans and future directions exploring P2X7 as a therapeutic target are described.

The diadenosine homodinucleotide P18 improves in vitro myelination in experimental Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A

Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A (CMT1A) is a demyelinating hereditary neuropathy whose pathogenetic mechanisms are still poorly defined and an etiologic treatment is not yet available. An abnormally high intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) occurs in Schwann cells from CMT1A rats (CMT1A SC) and is caused by overexpression of the purinoceptor P2X7. Normalization of the Ca(2+) levels through down-regulation of P2X7 appears to restore the normal phenotype of CMT1A SC in vitro. We recently demonstrated that the diadenosine 5',5'''-P1, P2-diphosphate (Ap2A) isomer P18 behaves as an antagonist of the P2X7 purinergic receptor, effectively blocking channel opening induced by ATP. In addition, P18 behaves as a P2Y11 agonist, inducing cAMP overproduction in P2Y11-overexpressing cells. Here we investigated the in vitro effects of P18 on CMT1A SC. We observed that basal levels of intracellular cAMP ([cAMP]i), a known regulator of SC differentiation and myelination, are significantly lower in CMT1A SC than in wild-type (wt) cells. P18 increased [cAMP]i in both CMT1A and wt SC, and this effects was blunted by NF157, a specific P2Y11 antagonist. Prolonged treatment of organotypic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cultures with P18 significantly increased expression of myelin protein zero, a marker of myelin production, in both CMT1A and wt cultures. Interestingly, P18 decreased the content of non-phosphorylated neurofilaments, a marker of axonal damage, only in CMT1A DRG cultures. These results suggest that P2X7 antagonists, in combination with [cAMP]i-increasing agents, could represent a therapeutic strategy aimed at correcting the molecular derangements causing the CMT1A phenotype.

Peripheral P2X7 receptor-induced mechanical hyperalgesia is mediated by bradykinin

P2X7 receptors play an important role in inflammatory hyperalgesia, but the mechanisms involved in their hyperalgesic role are not completely understood. In this study, we hypothesized that P2X7 receptor activation induces mechanical hyperalgesia via the inflammatory mediators bradykinin, sympathomimetic amines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines and via neutrophil migration in rats. We found that 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate triethylammonium salt (BzATP), the most potent P2X7 receptor agonist available, induced a dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia that was blocked by the P2X7 receptor-selective antagonist A-438079 but unaffected by the P2X1,3,2/3 receptor antagonist TNP-ATP. These findings confirm that, although BzATP also acts at both P2X1 and P2X3 receptors, BzATP-induced hyperalgesia was mediated only by P2X7 receptor activation. Co-administration of selective antagonists of bradykinin B1 (Des-Arg(8)-Leu(9)-BK (DALBK)) or B2 receptors (bradyzide), β1 (atenolol) or β2 adrenoceptors (ICI 118,551), or local pre-treatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the nonspecific selectin inhibitor fucoidan each significantly reduced BzATP-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat hind paw. BzATP also induced the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), an effect that was significantly reduced by A-438079. Co-administration of DALBK or bradyzide with BzATP significantly reduced BzATP-induced IL-1β and CINC-1 release. These results indicate that peripheral P2X7 receptor activation induces mechanical hyperalgesia via inflammatory mediators, especially bradykinin, which may contribute to pro-inflammatory cytokine release. These pro-inflammatory cytokines in turn may mediate the contributions of PGE2, sympathomimetic amines and neutrophil migration to the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by local P2X7 receptor activation.

P2X7 receptor mediates activation of microglial cells in prostate of chemically irritated rats

PURPOSE

Evidence shows that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is involved in the transmission of multiple chronic pain via P2X7 receptor. This study was to investigate the P2X7 and microglial cells in the chronic prostatitis pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into control group and chronic prostatitis group (n = 24 per group). A chronic prostatitis animal model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to the prostate of rats, and the thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was detected on days 0, 4, 12 and 24 (n = 6 at each time point in each group). Animals were sacrificed and the pathological examination of the prostate, detection of mRNA expression of P2X7 and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) and measurement of content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the dorsal horn of L5-S2 spinal cord were performed on days 0, 4, 12 and 24. In addition, the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in the dorsal horn of L5-S2 spinal cord was measured after intrathecal injection of inhibitors of microglial cells and/or P2X7 for 5 days.

RESULTS

The chronic prostatitis was confirmed by pathological examination. The expression of P2X7 and IBA-1 and the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in rats with chronic prostatitis were significantly higher than those in the control group. On day 4, the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines became to increase, reaching a maximal level on day 12 and started to reduce on day 24, but remained higher than that in the control group. Following suppression of microglial cells and P2X7 receptor, the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β was markedly reduced.

CONCLUSION

In chronic prostatitis pain, the microglial cells and P2X7 receptor are activated resulting in the increased expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the L5-S2 spinal cord, which might attribute to the maintenance and intensification of pain in chronic prostatitis.

Purinergic P2X7 receptors mediate cell death in mouse cerebellar astrocytes in culture

The brain distribution and functional role of glial P2X7 receptors are broader and more complex than initially anticipated. We characterized P2X7 receptors from cerebellar astrocytes at the molecular, immunocytochemical, biophysical, and cell physiologic levels. Mouse cerebellar astrocytes in culture express mRNA coding for P2X7 receptors, which is translated into P2X7 receptor protein as proven by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Fura-2 imaging showed cytosolic calcium responses to ATP and the synthetic analog 3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) exhibited two components, namely an initial transient and metabotropic component followed by a sustained one that depended on extracellular calcium. This latter component, which was absent in astrocytes from P2X7 receptor knockout mice (P2X7 KO), was modulated by extracellular Mg(2+), and was sensitive to Brilliant Blue G (BBG) and 3-(5-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1H-tetrazol-1-yl)methyl pyridine (A438079) antagonism. BzATP also elicited inwardly directed nondesensitizing whole-cell ionic currents that were reduced by extracellular Mg(2+) and P2X7 antagonists (BBG and calmidazolium). In contrast to that previously reported in rat cerebellar astrocytes, sustained BzATP application induced a gradual increase in membrane permeability to large cations, such as N-methyl-d-glucamine and 4-[3-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolylidene)-methyl]-1-[3-(triethylammonio)propyl]diiodide, which ultimately led to the death of mouse astrocytes. Cerebellar astrocyte cell death was prevented by BBG but not by calmidazolium, removal of extracellular calcium, or treatment with the caspase-3 inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone, thus suggesting a necrotic-type mechanism of cell death. Since this cellular response was not observed in astrocytes from P2X7 KO mice, this study suggests that stimulation of P2X7 receptor may convey a cell death signal to cerebellar astrocytes in a species-specific manner.

Central sensitization of nociceptive neurons in rat medullary dorsal horn involves purinergic P2X7 receptors

Central sensitization is a crucial process underlying the increased neuronal excitability of nociceptive pathways following peripheral tissue injury and inflammation. Our previous findings have suggested that extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) molecules acting at purinergic receptors located on presynaptic terminals (e.g., P2X2/3, P2X3 subunits) and glial cells are involved in the glutamatergic-dependent central sensitization induced in medullary dorsal horn (MDH) nociceptive neurons by application to the tooth pulp of the inflammatory irritant mustard oil (MO). Since growing evidence indicates that activation of P2X7 receptors located on glia is involved in chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain, the aim of the present study was to test in vivo for P2X7 receptor involvement in this acute inflammatory pain model. Experiments were carried out in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley male rats. Single unit recordings were made in MDH functionally identified nociceptive neurons for which mechanoreceptive field, mechanical activation threshold and responses to noxious stimuli were tested. We found that continuous intrathecal (i.t.) superfusion over MDH of the potent P2X7 receptor antagonists brilliant blue G and periodated oxidized ATP could each significantly attenuate the MO-induced MDH central sensitization. MDH central sensitization could also be produced by i.t. superfusion of ATP and even more effectively by the P2X7 receptor agonist benzoylbenzoyl ATP. Superfusion of the microglial blocker minocycline abolished the MO-induced MDH central sensitization, consistent with reports that dorsal horn P2X7 receptors are mostly expressed on microglia. In control experiments, superfusion over MDH of vehicle did not produce any significant changes. These novel findings suggest that activation of P2X7 receptors in vivo may be involved in the development of central sensitization in an acute inflammatory pain model.

Peripheral mechanisms underlying the essential role of P2X7 receptors in the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia

Activation of P2X7 receptors by endogenous ATP contributes to the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Given the clinical importance of mechanical hyperalgesia in inflammatory states, we hypothesized that the activation of the P2X7 receptor by endogenous ATP contributes to carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia, and that this contribution is mediated by an indirect sensitization of the primary afferent nociceptors. Co-administration of the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist, A-438079, or the P2X7 receptor antagonist, oATP, with carrageenan blocked the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan and significantly reduced the increased concentration of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CINC-1, but not of IL-1beta induced by carrageenan in the subcutaneous tissue of the rat's hind paw. We concluded that the activation of P2X7 receptors by endogenous ATP is essential to the development of the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan in the subcutaneous tissue. It is suggested that this essential role of P2X7 receptors in the development of carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia is mediated by an indirect sensitization of the primary afferent nociceptors dependent on the previous release of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CINC-1, but not of IL-1beta.

Involvement of temporomandibular joint P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors in carrageenan-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of P2X3, P2X2/3 and P2X7 receptors in the development of TMJ hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan. We also investigated the expression of mRNA of P2X7 receptors in the trigeminal ganglia and the existence of functional P2X7 receptors in the rat's TMJ. The P2X1, P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonist TNP-ATP, but not the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A-438079, significantly reduced carrageenan-induced TMJ inflammatory hyperalgesia. The qPCR assay showed that mRNA of P2X7 receptors are expressed in the trigeminal ganglia but this expression is not increased by the inflammation induced by carrageenan in the TMJ region. The P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP induced TMJ inflammatory hyperalgesia that was significantly reduced by pretreatment with dexamethasone. These results indicate that P2X3 and P2X2/3 but not P2X7 receptors are involved in carrageenan-induced TMJ inflammatory hyperalgesia. However, functional P2X7 receptors are expressed in the TMJ region. The activation of these receptors by BzATP sensitizes the primary afferent nociceptors in the TMJ through the previous release of inflammatory mediators. The findings of this study point out P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors, but not P2X7 receptors, as potential targets for the development of new analgesic drugs to control TMJ inflammatory pain.

Recent patents on novel P2X(7) receptor antagonists and their potential for reducing central nervous system inflammation

Inflammation arises in the CNS from a number of neurodegenerative and oncogenic disorders, as well as from ischemic and traumatic brain injuries. These pathologies give rise to increased levels of extracellular adenine nucleotides which, via activation of a variety of cell surface P2 purinergic receptors, influence the inflammatory activities of responding immune cells. One P2 receptor subtype in particular, the P2X(7) receptor, potentiates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) from macrophage-like cells. It is also thought to contribute to secondary brain injury by inducing neuronal cell death. Therefore, antagonism of this receptor could have significant therapeutic impact on all disorders, not just CNS, to which excessive inflammatory activities contribute. The use of currently available P2X(7) receptor antagonists for the treatment of CNS inflammation has been limited to the generally non-selective antagonists PPADS, oxidized ATP, Brilliant Blue G, suramin, calmidizolium, and KN-62. However, the recent patents and development of novel P2X(7) receptor antagonists, as discussed in this review, will provide new tools both for clinical and research purposes. Here we discuss compounds for which patents have been applied since 2006, from the following categories: benzamide inhibitors, bicycloheteroaryl compounds, acylhdranzine antagonists, biaromatic P2X(7) antagonists, heterocyclic compounds and amide derivatives, and aromatic amine antagonists.

Impact of IL-32 on Histamine Release by Human Derived Umbilical Cord Blood Mast Cells

IL-32 is onae of the last important cytokines discovered, produced mainly by T cells, natural killer cells, and epithelial cells. Probably many other different cells are a source of IL-32, which has been found to be a powerful pro-inflammatory mediator. Here we studied the effect of IL-32 on histamine release by human-derived cord-blood mast cells. In these studies we found that IL-32 significantly stimulates the release of histamine only at high concentrations (100 ng/ml) while at 10 or 50 ng/ml it had no effect. These results were found for the first time and demonstrate that IL-32 may play an important role in allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Expression of the P2X7 receptor increases the Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum, activates NFATc1, and protects from apoptosis

The P2X(7) receptor is known for the cytotoxic activity because of its ability to cause opening of non-selective pores in the plasma membrane and activate apoptotic caspases. A key factor of P2X(7)-dependent cytotoxicity is the massive intracellular Ca(2+) increase triggered by its activation. Here we show that P2X(7) transfection increased the ability of the endoplasmic reticulum to accumulate, store, and release Ca(2+). This caused a larger agonist-stimulated increase in cytosol and mitochondrial Ca(2+) in P2X(7) transfectants than in mock transfected cells. P2X(7) transfectants survived and even proliferated in serum-free conditions and were resistant to apoptosis triggered by ceramide, staurosporin, or intracellular Zn(2+) chelation. Finally, the nuclear factor of activated T cells complex 1 (NFATc1) was strongly activated in the P2X(7) transfectants. These observations support our previous finding that the P2X(7) receptor under tonic conditions of stimulation, i.e. those observed in response to basal ATP release, has an anti-apoptotic or even growth promoting rather than cytotoxic activity.

Purinergic signalling in inflammation of the central nervous system

Inflammation is the most fundamental body reaction to noxious stimuli. No vascularized tissue, organ or apparatus is free from this response. Several mediators of inflammation, originating from outside (exogenous) or inside (endogenous) the body, are known. Among the endogenous factors, extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides are attracting interest for their ubiquity and striking ability to modulate diverse immune responses. Until recently, it was doubted that the central nervous system (CNS), reportedly an 'immunoprivileged organ', could be the site of immune reactions. Nowadays, it is acknowledged that inflammation and immunity have a key role in a vast range of CNS diseases. Likewise, it is clear that purinergic signalling profoundly affects neuroinflammation. Here, we provide a brief update of the state of the art in this expanding field.

Unresolved issues and controversies in purinergic signalling

Some areas of current interest in the rapidly expanding purinergic signalling field that are controversial or are unresolved are highlighted in this review. These include the mechanisms underlying: ATP transport across cell and vesicle membranes; the interaction of multiple receptors for purines and pyrimidines on single cells; the blocking effect of antagonists to P2X(4) and P2X(7) receptors expressed by microglial cells in neuropathic and inflammatory pain; and the complex actions mediated by P2X(7) receptors. Some desirable areas for further research are also discussed including: comparative studies of the evolution of purinergic signalling; studies of purinergic signalling in development and regeneration, including the involvement of stem cells; behavioural studies; and therapeutic strategies.