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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 19, 2009
Ultrastructural identification of P2Y2 receptor mRNA in the rat thymus
A Loesch1, R Glass, G Burnstock
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, UK. a.loesch@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract:
In situ hybridisation to identify P2Y(2) receptor mRNA was performed for the first time at the ultrastructural level on the thymus of adult male rats. These studies revealed transcripts for P2Y(2) receptors in cortical T cells and endothelial cells of thymic blood vessels. These transcripts are likely to be linked with the production of functional P2Y(2) receptors in these cells. In the T cells, transcripts for the P2Y(2 )receptor were localised in the cytoplasm as well as on the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and cell membrane. Dividing T cells also expressed P2Y(2 )receptor mRNA, mostly in the cytoplasm around chromosomal material. Endothelial cells displaying labels for P2Y(2 )receptor transcripts were of cortical arteries/arterioles and capillaries and of postcapillary venules in the corticomedullary junction. P2Y(2) mRNA transcripts were localised in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells, although they did not appear to be specifically associated with subcellular organelles or structures. In postcapillary venules, T cells displaying labelling for the P2Y(2) receptor were seen migrating across the P2Y(2) receptor mRNA-positive endothelium. Our findings are discussed in terms of the relationship between thymic immune cells and the endothelium. This includes the issue of immune cell trafficking into the circulation, and the ATP-related regulatory role and involvement of P2Y(2) receptors in the rat thymus.
Insights
This study reveals P2Y(2) receptor mRNA in rat thymus T cells and blood vessel endothelial cells. These findings offer new insights into immune cell trafficking and P2Y(2) receptor roles in the thymus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The P2Y(2) receptor is implicated in various cellular functions.
- Understanding its role in the thymus is crucial for comprehending immune regulation.
- Previous studies have not investigated P2Y(2) receptor localization at the ultrastructural level in the thymus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the presence and localization of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA in the rat thymus using ultrastructural in situ hybridization.
- To explore the potential role of P2Y(2) receptors in thymic T cells and endothelial cells.
- To investigate the relationship between thymic immune cells and endothelium, particularly concerning immune cell trafficking.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural in situ hybridization was employed to detect P2Y(2) receptor mRNA.
- The study focused on the thymus of adult male rats.
- Localization of mRNA transcripts was analyzed in T cells and endothelial cells of thymic blood vessels.
Main Results:
- P2Y(2) receptor mRNA transcripts were detected in cortical T cells and endothelial cells of thymic blood vessels.
- In T cells, transcripts were found in the cytoplasm, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and cell membrane, including in dividing cells.
- Endothelial cells in various blood vessels (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, postcapillary venules) also showed P2Y(2) receptor mRNA in their cytoplasm. T cells were observed migrating across P2Y(2) receptor mRNA-positive endothelium in postcapillary venules.
Conclusions:
- The presence of P2Y(2) receptor mRNA suggests the production of functional receptors in rat thymic T cells and endothelial cells.
- Findings indicate a potential role for P2Y(2) receptors in regulating thymic immune cell trafficking and interactions with the endothelium.
- This study provides novel ultrastructural insights into P2Y(2) receptor expression and function within the rat thymus.
