P2X receptors in maintenance and differentiation of neural progenitor cells

Purinergic receptors are among the first cell surface receptors expressed during embryonic development （Burnstock and Ulrich, 2011）. These are characterized based on their pharmacological properties of being activated by adenosine or purine/pyrimidine nucleotides as P1 and P2 receptors. P2 receptors are further classified by their structure as P2Y metabotropic and P2X ionotropic receptors.

Triggering of Major Brain Disorders by Protons and ATP:The Role of ASICs and P2X Receptors

Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)is well-known as a universal source of energy in living cells.Less known is that this molecule has a variety of important signaling func-tions:it activates a variety of specific metabotropic(P2Y)and ionotropic(P2X)receptors in neuronal and non-neu-ronal cell membranes.So,a wide variety of signaling func-tions well fits the ubiquitous presence of ATP in the tissues.Even more ubiquitous are protons.Apart from the unspe-cific interaction of protons with any protein,many physi-ological processes are affected by protons acting on specific ionotropic receptors--acid-sensing ion channels(ASICs).Both protons(acidification)and ATP are locally elevated in various pathological states.Using these fundamentally important molecules as agonists,ASICs and P2X receptors signal a variety of major brain pathologies.Here we briefly outline the physiological roles of ASICs and P2X receptors,focusing on the brain pathologies involving these receptors.

P2X7R过表达的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达观察

目的观察嘌呤能受体P2X配体门控离子通道7的配体(P2X7R)过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞单钠尿酸盐(MSU)晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白、IL-1β、TNF-α表达情况。方法取人单核细胞白血病细胞系THP-1,并随机分为过表达组、空白组、模型组、对照组;过表达组和空白组分别转染P2X7R过表达质粒、空白载体质粒,转染5 d,将过表达组、空白组、模型组THP-1细胞用100 ng/mL的PMA刺激3 h后分化为巨噬细胞,另将MSU晶体用氢氧化钠溶解配制成浓度为100μg/mL的MSU乳糜状悬液加入培养液中孵育6 h;对照组正常培养。分别采用RT-PCR法和Western blot法测算巨噬细胞P2X7R mRNA、蛋白,ELISA法检测巨噬细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α,Western blot法测算巨噬细胞NOD样受体家族3(NLRP3)蛋白。结果与对照组比较,过表达组、空白组、模型组P2X7R mRNA和蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05);与模型组、空白组比较,过表达组P2X7R mRNA、蛋白相对表达量升高,细胞上清液IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高,细胞NLRP3蛋白相对表达量升高(P均<0.05)。结论P2X7R过表达白血病细胞诱导分化的巨噬细胞MSU晶体诱导痛风炎症反应过程中IL-1β、TNF-α、NLRP3表达增加,IL-1β、TNF-α水平升高可能通过激活NLRP3蛋白来实现。

基于PKC-P2X3信号通路观察电针对神经病理性疼痛小鼠神经修复的作用机制

目的:基于蛋白激酶C(PKC)-配体门控型非选择性离子通道3(P2X3)信号通路观察电针对神经病理性疼痛小鼠神经修复的作用机制。方法:48只小鼠随机分成假手术组、模型组、针刺组与电针组,每组12只。除假手术组外,其余小鼠构建坐骨神经慢性限制性损伤(CCI)模型。术后第8天针刺组与电针组接受针刺与电针干预,连续7 d。于术前、术后3 d、5 d、7 d、10 d、12 d、14 d对各组进行机械缩足反射阈值(MWT)与热刺激缩足反射潜伏期(TWL)测试。术后15 d处死所有小鼠,HE染色观察坐骨神经组织形态,ELISA检测脊髓组织IL-1β、TNF-α水平,Western blot检测脊髓组织PKC、P2X3水平,免疫荧光检测脊髓神经元PKC、P2X3表达情况。结果:假手术组神经元细胞大小不一,细胞膜完整,细胞质呈细小颗粒状,细胞核大而圆,核仁居中清晰可见;模型组可见萎缩的神经元,有髓神经纤维紊乱,轴突肿胀,神经元间形成间隙;与模型组相比,针刺组、电针组萎缩神经元数量减少(P<0.05),有髓神经纤维排布情况改善,电针组较针刺组改善更为明显。与相同时间点的假手术组相比,术后3 d、5 d、7 d、10 d、12 d、14 d模型组、针刺组、电针组患侧后肢的MWT、TWL值明显下降(P<0.05),IL-1β、TNF-α、PKC、P2X3表达量、PKC、P2X3阳性细胞数、平均光密度值升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,术后10 d、12 d、14 d针刺组、电针组MWT、TWL值明显上升(P<0.05),IL-1β、TNF-α、PKC、P2X3表达量、PKC、P2X3阳性细胞数、平均光密度值降低(P<0.05);与针刺组相比,术后10 d、12 d、14 d电针组MWT、TWL值升高(P<0.05),IL-1β、TNF-α、PKC、P2X3表达量、PKC、P2X3阳性细胞数、平均光密度值降低(P<0.05)。结论:电针可能减轻CCI模型小鼠神经炎症反应,降低PKC、P2X3表达水平,改善坐骨神经细胞形态与有髓神经纤维排布情况,缩小神经元间间隙,提升MWT、TWL值,缓解神经病理性疼痛程度。

Study of the roles of caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B in myenteric neurons in a P2X7 receptor knockout mouse model of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND The literature indicates that the enteric nervous system is affected in inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)and that the P2X7 receptor triggers neuronal death.However,the mechanism by which enteric neurons are lost in IBDs is unknown.AIM To study the role of the caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathways in myenteric neurons in a P2X7 receptor knockout(KO)mouse model of IBDs.METHODS Forty male wild-type(WT)C57BL/6 and P2X7 receptor KO mice were euthanized 24 h or 4 d after colitis induction by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(colitis group).Mice in the sham groups were injected with vehicle.The mice were divided into eight groups(n=5):The WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups,the KO sham 24 h and 4 d groups,and the KO colitis 24 h and 4 d groups.The disease activity index(DAI)was analyzed,the distal colon was collected for immunohistochemistry analyses,and immunofluorescence was performed to identify neurons immunoreactive(ir)for calretinin,P2X7 receptor,cleaved caspase-3,total caspase-3,phospho-NF-κB,and total NF-κB.We analyzed the number of calretinin-ir and P2X7 receptor-ir neurons per ganglion,the neuronal profile area(μm^(2)),and corrected total cell fluorescence(CTCF).RESULTS Cells double labeled for calretinin and P2X7 receptor,cleaved caspase-3,total caspase-3,phospho-NF-κB,or total NF-κB were observed in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups.The number of calretinin-ir neurons per ganglion was decreased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(2.10±0.13 vs 3.33±0.17,P<0.001;2.92±0.12 vs 3.70±0.11,P<0.05),but was not significantly different between the KO groups.The calretinin-ir neuronal profile area was increased in the WT colitis 24 h group compared to the WT sham 24 h group(312.60±7.85 vs 278.41±6.65,P<0.05),and the nuclear profile area was decreased in the WT colitis 4 d group compared to the WT sham 4 d group(104.63±2.49 vs 117.41±1.14,P<0.01).The number of P2X7 receptor-ir neurons per ganglion was decreased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(19.49±0.35 vs 22.21±0.18,P<0.001;20.35±0.14 vs 22.75±0.51,P<0.001),and no P2X7 receptor-ir neurons were observed in the KO groups.Myenteric neurons showed ultrastructural changes in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups and in the KO colitis 24 h group.The cleaved caspase-3 CTCF was increased in the WT colitis 24 h and 4 d groups compared to the WT sham 24 h and 4 d groups,respectively(485949±14140 vs 371371±16426,P<0.001;480381±11336 vs 378365±4053,P<0.001),but was not significantly different between the KO groups.The total caspase-3 CTCF,phospho-NF-κB CTCF,and total NF-κB CTCF were not significantly different among the groups.The DAI was recovered in the KO groups.Furthermore,we demonstrated that the absence of the P2X7 receptor attenuated inflammatory infiltration,tissue damage,collagen deposition,and the decrease in the number of goblet cells in the distal colon.CONCLUSION Ulcerative colitis affects myenteric neurons in WT mice but has a weaker effect in P2X7 receptor KO mice,and neuronal death may be associated with P2X7 receptor-mediated caspase-3 activation.The P2X7 receptor can be a therapeutic target for IBDs.

电针调节P2X7R介导的细胞焦亡途径对骶上脊髓损伤后尿潴留型神经源性膀胱大鼠膀胱排尿功能的影响

目的观察电针对骶上脊髓损伤后尿潴留型神经源性膀胱大鼠排尿功能的影响,并探讨电针调节嘌呤能离子通道型受体7(purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor,P2X7R)介导的细胞焦亡途径在其中的潜在效应机制。方法从48只雌性SD大鼠中随机抽取12只纳入假手术组,剩余大鼠以T8完全性脊髓横断法建立尿潴留型神经源性膀胱大鼠模型,将已成模的27只大鼠二次随机分为模型组与电针组,每组12只,剩余3只模型大鼠用于实验候补。电针组于术后第19天开始干预,连续10 d,其余两组仅予以捆绑。干预结束后,各组大鼠先行尿流动力学检测,随后快速分离膀胱组织待检,应用HE染色观察膀胱组织形态学变化,透射电镜观察膀胱组织超微结构变化,TUNEL染色检测膀胱组织中细胞损伤情况,ELISA检测膀胱组织中三磷酸腺苷(adenosine triphosphate,ATP)水平,免疫组织化学法和Western blot法检测膀胱组织中P2X7R、NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NODlike receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3,NLRP3)、半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-1(cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1,Caspase-1)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)蛋白表达情况。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠膀胱漏尿点压力、膀胱最大压力、膀胱最大容量显著升高(P<0.01),以膀胱体积增大伴尿潴留为主要表现;模型组大鼠膀胱组织存在明显的炎性反应且病理改变显著,膀胱组织超微结构可见明显肿胀、变形等细胞损伤,膀胱组织细胞损伤率显著增加(P<0.01),膀胱组织中ATP含量、P2X7R、NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-1β的阳性表达及蛋白表达水平均显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,电针组大鼠膀胱漏尿点压力、膀胱最大压力、膀胱最大容量降低(P<0.05),尿潴留症状较轻,膀胱排尿功能改善;电针组大鼠膀胱组织的炎性反应及病理损伤减轻,膀胱组织超微结构变化明显改善,膀胱组织细胞损伤率显著减少(P<0.01),膀胱组织中ATP含量、P2X7R、NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-1β的阳性表达及蛋白表达水平均显著降低(P<0.01)。结论电针可有效改善骶上脊髓损伤后尿潴留型神经源性膀胱大鼠的膀胱排尿功能,缓解尿潴留症状,减轻膀胱组织病理损伤程度及其炎症反应,其机制与抑制膀胱组织中P2X7R/NLRP3信号通路焦亡蛋白的表达有关。

温针灸对兔膝骨关节炎软骨中ASC、Caspase-1和P2X7蛋白表达的影响

目的 观察温针灸对膝骨关节炎(KOA)模型兔关节软骨组织中凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、半胱氨酸蛋白酶-1(Caspase-1)、嘌呤能离子通道型受体7(P2X7)表达的影响,研究温针灸治疗KOA的作用机制。方法 取40只雄性新西兰兔随机分为空白组、模型组、抑制剂组和温针灸组,每组10只。除空白组外,其余各组采用经典右后肢膝关节伸直位,用石膏管型固定4周制备兔KOA模型。造模成功后,各组给予相应干预措施。应用Lequesne MG评分量表评估兔膝关节状态改变与行为学改变,HE染色观察膝关节软骨病理形态学改变,免疫组织化学法和Western blot法检测软骨组织中ASC、Caspase-1、P2X7蛋白的表达,免疫荧光检测Caspase-1蛋白的表达。结果 造模前,各组实验兔Lequesne MG评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);造模后,与空白组相比,其余组Lequesne MG评分均上升(P<0.05);干预治疗后,与模型组比较,温针灸组和抑制剂组评分降低(P<0.05)。HE染色显示,空白组软骨表面结构完整,软骨细胞排列均匀;模型组软骨表面粗糙不平,软骨受损明显,软骨细胞形态大小不一,排列紊乱;抑制剂组和温针灸组软骨表面相对光滑、完整,软骨细胞分布较为均匀,软骨层结构相对清晰。与空白组比较,模型组Mankin’s评分升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,温针灸组和抑制剂组Mankin’s评分降低(P<0.05)。免疫组织化学法、免疫荧光及Western blot检测结果显示,与空白组比较,模型组ASC、Caspase-1、P2X7的表达均升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,温针灸组和抑制剂组ASC、Caspase-1、P2X7的表达均降低(P<0.05);温针灸组和抑制剂组相比,ASC、Caspase-1、P2X7表达差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。结论 温针灸可减轻兔KOA软骨损伤,其机制可能与ASC、Caspase-1、P2X7表达降低及细胞焦亡抑制有关。

P2X嘌呤能受体通道蛋白参与实体瘤进展的研究

腺苷三磷酸(adenosine triphosphate, ATP)是生物体内最普遍存在的供能物质,亦是一种重要的信号分子,肿瘤微环境中ATP的表达水平显著上调。嘌呤能受体离子通道P2X广泛分布多种组织内,微环境中ATP特异性激活P2X受体,调控门控离子通道开放,进而影响下游信号传导参与机体生理活动。而异常嘌呤能信号在肿瘤恶性进展中也发挥着重要作用。本文就P2X受体蛋白家族的结构、表达与功能特点,以及P2X受体家族参与多种实体瘤进展的机制和靶向P2X家族治疗肿瘤的研究进行了综述,以期丰富嘌呤能信号相关基础研究资料,为肿瘤临床治疗靶点的开发提供新思路和策略。

Electrophysiological evidence of P2X2 receptor expression in the neurons of intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia

Objective： To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods： For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and the medial region containing intracardiac ganglia was isolated and cut into pieces. For preparation of paratracheal neurons, the tracheas were removed and the superficial membranous layer containing paratracheal ganglia was rapidly isolated. Intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons were dissociated after digestion by collagenase and trypsin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to identify the pharmacological properties of P2X receptors in cultured neurons. Results：Neurons from these two ganglia responded to ATP with a rapidly activating, sustained inward current, αβ-meATP failed to evoke any re- sponses in paratracheal ganglion neurons while a few of intracardiac ganglion neurons responded to αβ- meATP with a tiny sustained inward current. ADP and UTP had no effect on intracardiac neurons. Lowering pH potentiated ATP responses in neurons from these two ganglia whereas increasing pH inhibited ATP responses. Co-application of Zn^2＋ potentiated ATP responses in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Conclusion： The receptor subtypes involved in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia appear to be homomeric P2X2, while heteromeric P2X2/3 could not be completely excluded from intracardiac neurons.

基于嘌呤配体P2X门控离子通道型受体7的资生肾气丸镇痛机制研究

目的:探索资生肾气丸对醋酸致小鼠扭体模型的镇痛作用。方法:将42只小鼠随机分为7组,分别给予相应药液灌胃,末次灌胃1 h后造模,建立醋酸致小鼠扭体模型。观察小鼠扭体次数,计算其扭体抑制率,应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测各组小鼠血清白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、前列腺素E 2(PGE 2)、神经生长因子(NGF)含量,采用实时PCR(RT-PCR)检测嘌呤配体P2X门控离子通道型受体7(P2X7R)mRNA、Nod样受体蛋白3(NLRP3)mRNA、NIMA相关激酶7(NEK7)mRNA的表达情况。结果:与模型组比较,随着时间的增加,资生肾气丸低剂量、中剂量、高剂量均可抑制小鼠扭体反应,降低扭体次数,增加小鼠扭体抑制率,降低小鼠血清中IL-1β、PGE_(2)、NGF的含量,降低P2X7RmRNA、NLRP3mRNA、NEK7mRNA的表达以抑制疼痛反应,以高剂量效果最优(P<0.05),与吲哚美辛、痛风舒片疗效相近。结论:资生肾气丸高剂量对小鼠血清疼痛因子的降低效果显著,其机制可能与嘌呤配体P2X门控离子通道型受体7信号通路有关。

Electroacupuncture at He-Mu points reduces P2X_4 receptor expression in visceral hypersensitivity

Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu （ST37） and Tianshu （ST25） was reported to improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats, Colorectal distension was utilized to generate a rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome, Results showed that abdominal withdrawal reflex scores noticeably increased after model establishment. Simultaneously, P2X4 receptor immunore- activity significantly increased in the colon and spinal cord. Electroacupuncture and pinaverium bromide therapy both markedly decreased abdominal withdrawal reflex scores in rats with visceral hypersensitivity, and significantly decreased P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord. These data suggest that electroacupuncture treatment can improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats with irritable bowel syndrome by diminishing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord,

Distribution of the P2X2 receptor and chemical coding in ileal enteric neurons of obese male mice(ob/ob)

AIM:To investigate the colocalization,density and profile of neuronal areas of enteric neurons in the ileum of male obese mice.METHODS:The small intestinal samples of male mice in an obese group(OG)(C57BL/6J ob/ob)and a control group(CG)(+/+)were used.The tissues were analyzed using a double immunostaining technique for immunoreactivity(ir)of the P2X2 receptor,nitric oxide synthase(NOS),choline acetyl transferase(ChAT)and calretinin(Calr).Also,we investigated the density and profile of neuronal areas of the NOS-,ChAT-and Calrir neurons in the myenteric plexus.Myenteric neurons were labeled using an NADH-diaphorase histochemical staining method.RESULTS:The analysis demonstrated that the P2X2receptor was expressed in the cytoplasm and in the nuclear and cytoplasmic membranes only in the CG.Neuronal density values(neuron/cm2)decreased 31%(CG:6579±837;OG:4556±407)and 16.5%(CG:7796±528;OG:6513±610)in the NOS-ir and calretininir neurons in the OG,respectively(P<0.05).Density of ChAT-ir(CG:6200±310;OG:8125±749)neurons significantly increased 31%in the OG(P<0.05).Neuron size studies demonstrated that NOS,ChAT,and Calr-ir neurons did not differ significantly between the CG and OG groups.The examination of NADH-diaphorase-positive myenteric neurons revealed an overall similarity between the OG and CG.CONCLUSION:Obesity may exert its effects by promoting a decrease in P2X2 receptor expression and modifications in the density of the NOS-ir,ChAT-ir and CalR-ir myenteric neurons.

Expression of the P2X_2 receptor in different classes of ileum myenteric neurons in the female obese ob/ob mouse

AIM:To examine whether the ob/ob mouse model of obesity is accompanied by enteric nervous system ab-normalities such as altered motility METHODS:The study examined the distribution of the P2X 2 receptor (P2X 2 R) in myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice. Specifically, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the co-expression of the P2X 2 R with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), choline acetyltrans-ferase (ChAT), and calretinin (CalR) in neurons of the small intestine myenteric plexus in ob/ob and control female mice In these sections, we used scanning confocal microscopy to analyze the co-localization of these markers as well as the neuronal density (cm 2 ) and area profile (μm2) of P2X 2 R-positive neurons In addition, enteric neurons were labeled using the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NA H) diaphorase method and analyzed with light microscopy as an alternate means by which to analyze neuronal density and areaRESULTS:In the present study, we observed a 29 6% increase in the body weight of the ob/ob animals (OG) compared to the control group (CG) In addition, the average small intestine area was increased by approxi-mately 29 6% in the OG compared to the CG Immu-noreactivity (IR) for the P2X 2 R, nNOS, ChAT and CalR was detectable in the myenteric plexus, as well as in the smooth muscle, in both groups This IR appeared to be mainly cytoplasmic and was also associated with the cell membrane of the myenteric plexus neurons, where it outlined the neuronal cell bodies and their processes P2X 2 R-IR was observed to co-localize 100% with that for nNOS, ChAT and CalR in neurons of both groups In the ob/ob group, however, we observed that the neuronal density (neuron/cm 2 ) of P2X 2 R-IR cells was in-creased by 62% compared to CG, while that of NOS-IR and ChAT-IR neurons was reduced by 49% and 57%, respectively, compared to control mice The neuronal density of CalR-IR neurons was not different between the groups Morphometric studies further demonstrated that the cell body profile area (μm2) of nNOS-IR, ChAT-IR and CalR-IR neurons was increased by 34%, 20% and 55%, respectively, in the OG compared to controls Staining for NA H diaphorase activity is widely used to detect alterations in the enteric nervous system; however, our qualitative examination of NA H-diaphorase positive neurons in the myenteric ganglia revealed an overall similarity between the two groups CONCLUSION:We demonstrate increases in P2X2R expression and alterations in nNOS, ChAT and CalR IR in ileal myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice compared to wild-type controls.

Enteric nervous system and inflammatory bowel diseases:Correlated impacts and therapeutic approaches through the P2X7 receptor

The enteric nervous system(ENS)consists of thousands of small ganglia arranged in the submucosal and myenteric plexuses,which can be negatively affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis-inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs).IBDs are complex and multifactorial disorders characterized by chronic and recurrent inflammation of the intestine,and the symptoms of IBDs may include abdominal pain,diarrhea,rectal bleeding,and weight loss.The P2X7 receptor has become a promising therapeutic target for IBDs,especially owing to its wide expression and,in the case of other purinergic receptors,in both human and model animal enteric cells.However,little is known about the actual involvement between the activation of the P2X7 receptor and the cascade of subsequent events and how all these activities associated with chemical signals interfere with the functionality of the affected or treated intestine.In this review,an integrated view is provided,correlating the structural organization of the ENS and the effects of IBDs,focusing on cellular constituents and how therapeutic approaches through the P2X7 receptor can assist in both protection from damage and tissue preservation.

P2X7 receptor as the regulator of T-cell function in intestinal barrier disruption

The intestinal mucosa is a highly compartmentalized structure that forms a directbarrier between the host intestine and the environment, and its dysfunction couldresult in a serious disease. As T cells, which are important components of themucosal immune system, interact with gut microbiota and maintain intestinalhomeostasis, they may be involved in the process of intestinal barrier dysfunction.P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), a member of the P2X receptors family, mediates the effectsof extracellular adenosine triphosphate and is expressed by most innate or adaptiveimmune cells, including T cells. Current evidence has demonstrated thatP2X7R is involved in inflammation and mediates the survival and differentiationof T lymphocytes, indicating its potential role in the regulation of T cell function.In this review, we summarize the available research about the regulatory role andmechanism of P2X7R on the intestinal mucosa-derived T cells in the setting ofintestinal barrier dysfunction.

P2X4 receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in neuropathic pain

Objective:To investigate whether the activation of p38MAPK is involved in the neuropathic pain induced by P2X4 receptor,and the effects of activated P2X4 receptor and p38MAPK on expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the chronic neuropathic pain.Methods:Lumbar intrathecal catheters were chronically implanted in male Sprague-Dawley rats.The right sciatic nerve was loosely ligated proximal to the sciatica's trifurcation at approximately 1.0 mm intervals with 4-0 silk sutures.The microglia inhibitor minocycline,P2X4 antagonist (TNP-ATP) and p38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) were intrathecally administered every 12 h,3 d post-chronic constriction injury (CCI).Mechanical nociceptive thresholds were assessed with the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) to von Frey filaments.The expression of P2X4 and BDNF were assessed by both immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR.Results:Intrathecal injection of minocycline or TNP-ATP or SB203580 significantly attenuated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia.The time courses of P2X4 receptor and BDNF expression were increased at all points after CCI and reached a peak level on postoperative d 7.Intrathecal injection of minocycline or TNP-ATP or SB203580 markedly suppressed the increase of CCI-induced P2X4 receptor and BDNF expression in the spinal cord.Conclusion:The activation of P2X4 receptor BDNF pathways contributes to neuropathic pain in CCI rats,and the activation of p38MAPK is involved in the neuropathic pain induced by P2X4 receptor.

Microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain

Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted cells. We previously showed that microencapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce neuropathic pain and we hypothesized that microencapsulated Schwann cells can also inhibit neuropathic pain. Rat Schwann cells were cultured by subculture and then microencapsulated and were tested using a rat chronic constriction injury（CCI） neuropathic pain model. CCI rats were treated with Schwann cells or microencapsulated Schwann cells and were compared with sham and CCI groups. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days postoperatively. The expression of P2X3 receptors in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia of the different groups was detected by double-label immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Compared with the chronic constriction injury group, mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were higher, but the expression of P2X3 receptors was remarkably decreased in rats treated with Schwann cells and microencapsulated Schwann cells, especially in the rats transplanted with microencapsulated Schwann cells. The above data show that microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.

Role of P2X_7 receptors in neuronal death in the retina

Acknowledgments： I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Puro DG for leading me to this research topic during my stay as a research fellow in his laboratory at the University of Michigan in 2001, and also to Professor Ikeda T forgiving me the opportunity to study abroad and then to continue to investigate this topic in the Department of Ophthalmology at Osaka Medical College, lapan.

P2X7 receptor antagonist recovers ileum myenteric neurons after experimental ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND The P2X7 receptor is expressed by enteric neurons and enteric glial cells.Studies have demonstrated that administration of a P2X7 receptor antagonist,brilliant blue G(BBG),prevents neuronal loss.AIM To report the effects of BBG in ileum enteric neurons immunoreactive(ir)following experimental ulcerative colitis in Rattus norvegicus albinus.METHODS 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS group,n=5)was injected into the distal colon.BBG(50 mg/kg,BBG group,n=5)or vehicle(sham group,n=5)was given subcutaneously 1 h after TNBS.The animals were euthanized after 24 h,and the ileum was removed.Immunohistochemistry was performed on the myenteric plexus to evaluate immunoreactivity for P2X7 receptor,neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS),choline acetyltransferase(ChAT),HuC/D and glial fibrillary acidic protein.RESULTS The numbers of nNOS-,ChAT-,HuC/D-ir neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein-ir glial cells were decreased in the TNBS group and recovered in the BBG group.The neuronal profile area(μm^2)demonstrated that nNOS-ir neurons decreased in the TNBS group and recovered in the BBG group.There were no differences in the profile areas of ChAT-and HuC/D-ir neurons.CONCLUSION Our data conclude that ileum myenteric neurons and glial cells were affected by ulcerative colitis and that treatment with BBG had a neuroprotective effect.Thus,these results demonstrate that the P2X7 receptor may be an important target in therapeutic strategies.

P2X7 receptor inhibitor suppressed extracellular ATP/LPS-primed human hepatic stellate cells activation via downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of P2X7receptor(P2X7r)inhibition,using a specific inhibitor(A438079)to prevent the development of liver fibrosis on human hepatic stellate cells,LX-2.METHODS The supernatant from lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 mouse macrophages was supplemented to LX-2 cells for 24 h.LX-2cells were primed with LPS for 4h and subsequently stimulated for 30 min with 3mmol·L-1 of adenosine 5′-triphosphate(ATP).A438079(10μmol·L-1)was supplemented to LX-2 cells 10 min prior to ATP.RESULTS Directly treated with LPS on LX-2 cells,mRNA expressions of IL-1β,IL-18 and IL-6 were increased,as well as P2X7 r.And caspase-1,ASC and NLRP3 mRNA expressions were increased with LPS stimulation.LPS stimulation also increasedα-SMA and collagenⅠ mRNA expressions.Interestingly treatment of LX-2cells with mediums from LPS-primed RAW264.7mouse macrophages exhibited greater increase of mRNA expressions of above genes than those in LX-2directly treated with LPS.Pretreatment of directly or indirectly LPS-stimulated LX-2 cells with A438079 both suppressed IL-1βmRNA expression.In addition treatment of LPS-primed LX-2 cells with 3mmol·L-1 ATP induced the significant increase of IL-1β,IL-6,caspase-1,pannexin-1,α-SMA and collagenⅠ mRNA expression,the increasing ofα-SMA protein expression and cleavage of IL-1β.These events were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with P2X7 rantagonist A438079.P2X7 rblockade also significantly reduced the protein expression ofα-SMA.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the involvement of the P2X7r-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the secretion of IL-1βfrom extracellular ATP/LPS-stimulated human hepatic stellate cells.This study demonstrated that repression of the P2X7 rrepresents a novel potential therapeutic approach to control liver fibrosis.