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Purinergic receptor types in the hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system.
José R Lemos1, Edward E Custer1, Sonia Ortiz-Miranda2
1MaPS.
Journal of Neuroendocrinology
|March 8, 2018
Summary
Purinergic receptors in the Hypothalamic-Neurohypophysial System (HNS) modulate vasopressin and oxytocin release. ATP potentiates vasopressin release, while adenosine inhibits both, impacting neuropeptide secretion during neural activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- The Hypothalamic-Neurohypophysial System (HNS) synthesizes and releases vasopressin and oxytocin.
- Purinergic receptors play a role in neuronal function, but their specific locations and roles in the HNS were unclear due to limited pharmacological tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and functional implications of purinergic receptor subtypes within the HNS.
- To differentiate the roles of purinergic receptors in neuronal cell bodies versus terminals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized receptor knockout (KO) models to overcome limitations of pharmacological tools.
- Examined the presence and potential function of P2X receptor subtypes (P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X7) in vasopressin and oxytocin terminals.
Main Results:
- P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors are found in vasopressin terminals.
- Oxytocin terminals exclusively express the P2X7 subtype, which is not functional in HNS cell bodies.
- ATP and adenosine exhibit autocrine and paracrine modulatory effects on neuropeptide release.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic receptor subtypes exhibit distinct localization within the HNS, influencing vasopressin and oxytocin release.
- ATP may potentiate vasopressin release, while adenosine likely inhibits both vasopressin and oxytocin release via A1 receptors during bursting activity.
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