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P2X receptors in peripheral neurons.
P M Dunn1, Y Zhong, G Burnstock
1Autonomic Neuroscience Institute, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, NW3 2PF, London, UK.
Progress in Neurobiology
|June 19, 2001
Summary
P2X receptors, activated by ATP, show varied expression in peripheral neurons. P2X2 and P2X3 subunits form homomeric and heteromeric receptors crucial for sensory and autonomic functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels activated by extracellular ATP.
- Seven P2X subunits (P2X1-7) assemble into homomeric and heteromeric receptors.
- Peripheral neurons, including sensory and autonomic types, express various P2X subunit mRNAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular, electrophysiological, and immunohistochemical evidence for P2X receptor subunits in peripheral neurons.
- To discuss the pharmacological properties and physiological roles of native P2X receptors.
- To explore the heterogeneity and specific subunit compositions of P2X receptors in different neuronal populations.
Main Methods:
- Molecular biological analysis of P2X subunit expression.
- Electrophysiological recordings to study receptor function.
- Immunohistochemistry to localize P2X subunits in neurons.
- Pharmacological characterization of native P2X receptors.
Main Results:
- Peripheral neuron responses to ATP exhibit significant heterogeneity.
- P2X2 and P2X3 subunits are key, forming homomeric and heteromeric receptors.
- Specific subunit compositions vary: P2X3 in dorsal root ganglia, P2X2 in rat sympathetic neurons, and mixed P2X2/P2X2-3 in others.
- P2X receptors are vital for enteric synaptic transmission and sensory functions like bladder distension detection.
Conclusions:
- P2X receptor expression and function in peripheral neurons are diverse, primarily involving P2X2 and P2X3 subunits.
- These receptors play essential roles in sensory and autonomic nervous system functions.
- Further research into P2X receptor regulation and interactions may uncover additional physiological roles.