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Real-time Live-cell Flow Cytometry to Investigate Calcium Influx, Pore Formation, and Phagocytosis by P2X7 Receptors in Adult Neural Progenitor Cells
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ATP-induced currents carried through P2X7 receptor in rat myometrial cells

Hiroshi Miyoshi1, Kaoru Yamaoka, Satoshi Urabe

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Higashihiroshima Medical Center, Higashihiroshima, Japan. miyoshi_hiroshi@hiro-hosp.jp

Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|July 21, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced currents in rat myometrial cells are primarily carried by P2X7 receptors. This finding clarifies the role of purinergic signaling in uterine contractility.

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The role of purinergic P2 receptors in myometrial function remains largely unknown.
  • Previous research indicated that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) triggers ionic currents, leading to uterine contractions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the specific P2X receptors responsible for mediating ATP-induced currents in rat myometrial cells.
  • To elucidate the functional significance of these receptors in uterine physiology.

Main Methods:

  • Predominantly expressed P2X7 receptors were cloned from rat myometrium and transfected into COS-7 cells.
  • Whole-cell patch clamp techniques were employed to characterize the reconstructed P2X7 receptor currents.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular ATP induced currents via P2X7 receptors with an EC50 of 155 μmol/L, showing no desensitization.
  • The P2X7 receptor exhibited permeability to various monovalent cations (K+ > Cs+ > Li+ > Na+) and was activated by specific agonists.
  • These ATP-induced currents were inhibited by selective P2X7 receptor antagonists and extracellular Mg2+.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7 receptors are the primary ion channels mediating ATP-induced currents in rat myometrial cells.
  • This study identifies P2X7 receptors as key players in purinergic signaling within the myometrium.

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