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Evidence for P2X3 receptors in the developing rat brain
E J Kidd1, K J Miller, A J Sansum
1Glaxo Institute of Applied Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, UK.
Neuroscience
|October 3, 1998
Summary
P2X3 receptors, sensitive to alpha,beta-methylene ATP, are present in developing rat brains but absent in adults. This finding explains neonatal electrophysiological responses to alpha,beta-methylene ATP.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- P2X receptor-mediated responses in rat brains to alpha,beta-methylene ATP are not fully explained by known receptor proteins.
- Differential developmental regulation of P2X1 and P2X2 receptor mRNAs suggests age-dependent P2X receptor expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of alpha,beta-methylene ATP-sensitive P2X3 receptors in rat brains across different developmental ages.
- To determine if P2X3 receptor expression changes with age in the rat brain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a P2X3 receptor-selective antibody for protein detection.
- Examined rat brain tissue from embryonic (E16), neonatal (P7, P14), and adult stages.
Main Results:
- P2X3 receptor protein was detected in specific regions of embryonic and neonatal rat brains.
- P2X3 receptor protein was not detectable in adult rat brains.
- Demonstrated age-dependent expression of P2X3 receptors in the rat brain.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of P2X3 receptors in rat brains across various ages.
- The differential expression of P2X3 receptors during development may underlie previously observed electrophysiological responses to alpha,beta-methylene ATP in neonates.