Localization of P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons

Purine receptors have been implicated in central neurotransmission from nociceptive primary afferent neurons, and ATP-mediated currents in sensory neurons have been shown to be mediated by both P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively examine the distribution of P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in primary afferent cell bodies in the rat trigeminal ganglion, including those innervating the dura. In order to determine the classes of neurons that express these receptor subtypes, purine receptor immunoreactivity was examined for colocalization with markers of myelinated (neurofilament 200; NF200) or mostly unmyelinated, non-peptidergic fibers (Bandeiraea simplicifolia isolectin B4; IB4). Forty percent of P2X2 and 64% of P2X3 receptor-expressing cells were IB4 positive, and 33% of P2X2 and 31% of P2X3 receptor-expressing cells were NF200 positive. Approximately 40% of cells expressing P2X2 receptors also expressed P2X3 receptors and vice versa. Trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the dura mater were retrogradely labeled and 52% of these neurons expressed either P2X2 or P2X3 or both receptors. These results are consistent with electrophysiological findings that P2X receptors exist on the central terminals of trigeminal afferent neurons, and provide evidence that afferents supplying the dura express both receptors. In addition, the data suggest specific differences exist in P2X receptor expression between the spinal and trigeminal nociceptive systems.