Stress-induced ATP release from and growth modulation of human lens and retinal pigment epithelial cells

ATP release has been shown to occur following stimulation in several cellular systems. This study was undertaken to determine if lens and retinal epithelial cells release ATP in response to physiological stresses and to elucidate a possible role for ATP. Analysis of human aqueous humour samples showed a mean ATP level of 37.8+/-7.7 nM. Hyper-osmotic stress induced a dose- and time-dependent release of ATP. Both cell types were found to proliferate in serum-free medium, and the addition of ATP and adenosine at concentrations as low as 0.1 nM inhibited growth. Gene profiling also demonstrated the presence of the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 and the A1 adenosine receptor on both cell types.