Immunolocalisation of P2X and P2Y nucleotide receptors in the rat nasal mucosa.
Purinoceptor subtypes were localised to various tissue types present within the nasal cavity of the rat, using immunohistochemical methods. P2X3 receptor immunoreactivity was localised in the primary olfactory neurones located both in the olfactory epithelium and vomeronasal organs (VNO) and also on subepithelial nerve fibres in the respiratory region. P2X5 receptor immunoreactivity was found in the squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelial cells of the rat nasal mucosa. P2X7 receptor immunoreactivity was also expressed in epithelial cells and colocalised with caspase 9 (an apoptotic marker), suggesting an association with apoptosis and epithelial turnover. P2Y1 receptor immunoreactivity was found within the respiratory epithelium and submucosal glandular tissue. P2Y2 receptor immunoreactivity was localised to the mucus-secreting cells within the VNO. The possible functional roles of these receptors are discussed.
Gayle
Shimona
S
Autonomic Neuroscience Institute, Royal Free & University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
Burnstock
Geoffrey
G
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D053453:Caspase 9; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism*; D009831:Olfactory Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D019147:Vomeronasal Organ / Q000378:metabolism
D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; C506435:Casp9 protein, rat; D053453:Caspase 9; D020169:Caspases