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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice
Published on: August 1, 2012
Modulation of P2X7 receptor expression in macrophages from mineral oil-injected mice
Camila Marques da Silva1, Luciana Miranda Rodrigues, Andressa Passos da Silva Gomes
1Laboratory Imunobiofisica, Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Edifício do Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
Abstract:
P2X7 receptor activation is involved in a number of pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages and other immune cells. Their expression can be positively modulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNFalpha, reinforcing their role during inflammation. We investigated the effect of substances capable of recruiting macrophages into the peritoneal cavity of mice (mineral oil and thioglycolate) on P2X7 receptor expression and function, addressing whether these stimuli can interfere with multinucleated giant cell (MGC) formation, ATP-induced apoptosis, plasma membrane permeabilization and nitric oxide production. It was demonstrated that mineral oil treatment reduces P2X7-dependent MGC formation, whereas thioglycolate treatment does not. Mineral oil treatment reduced P2X7 receptor expression, down-modulating ATP-induced apoptosis, permeabilization and nitric oxide production. In conclusion, mineral oil down modulated P2X7 expression and consequently P2X7-associated phenomena, but thioglycolate did not. These effects might be associated with the unpleasant side effects already described during long-term administration of mineral oil for cosmetic purposes or as a laxative and could be useful in understanding the mechanism of recycling and modulation of P2 receptors present in other situations of immunopathological interest.
Insights
Mineral oil, but not thioglycolate, reduces P2X7 receptor expression and function in immune cells. This finding offers insights into P2X7 receptor modulation and potential side effects of mineral oil.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- P2X7 receptor activation drives pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages and immune cells.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TNFalpha positively modulate P2X7 receptor expression, highlighting its role in inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of macrophage-recruiting agents (mineral oil, thioglycolate) on P2X7 receptor expression and function.
- To determine if these agents affect P2X7-mediated multinucleated giant cell (MGC) formation, apoptosis, plasma membrane permeabilization, and nitric oxide (NO) production.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with mineral oil or thioglycolate to recruit macrophages.
- P2X7 receptor expression and function were assessed, including MGC formation, ATP-induced apoptosis, plasma membrane permeabilization, and NO production.
Main Results:
- Mineral oil treatment significantly reduced P2X7 receptor expression.
- Mineral oil treatment diminished P2X7-dependent MGC formation, ATP-induced apoptosis, plasma membrane permeabilization, and NO production.
- Thioglycolate treatment did not affect P2X7 receptor expression or associated functions.
Conclusions:
- Mineral oil down-modulates P2X7 receptor expression and its associated inflammatory phenomena, while thioglycolate does not.
- These findings may explain adverse effects of mineral oil and aid understanding of P2 receptor modulation in immunopathology.
