PM_2.5 Exposure Inhibits Transepithelial Anion Short-circuit Current by Downregulating P2Y2 Receptor/CFTR Pathway

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) can damage airway epithelial barriers. The anion transport system plays a crucial role in airway epithelial barriers. However, the detrimental effect and mechanism of PM_2.5 on the anion transport system are still unclear. In this study, airway epithelial cells and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice were used. In transwell model, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced transepithelial anion short-circuit current (I_sc) and airway surface liquid (ASL) significantly decreased after PM_2.5 exposure. In addition, PM_2.5 exposure decreased the expression levels of P2Y2R, CFTR and cytoplasmic free-calcium, but ATP can increase the expressions of these proteins. PM_2.5 exposure increased the levels of Th2-related cytokines of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung inflammation, collagen deposition and hyperplasisa of goblet cells. Interestingly, the administration of ATP showed an inhibitory effect on lung inflammation induced by PM_2.5. Together, our study reveals that PM_2.5 impairs the ATP-induced transepithelial anion I_sc through downregulating P2Y2R/CFTR pathway, and this process may participate in aggravating airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation. These findings may provide important insights on PM_2.5-mediated airway epithelial injury.