Abstract
In this report, we show for the first time that P2X2 receptors--ATP-gated cation channels--can be demonstrated in endothelial cells of small cerebral vessels of rat. Immunoreactivity to P2X2 receptors was visualised at the ultrastructural level with electron-immunocytochemistry (ExtrAvidin-horseradish peroxidase technique) using a polyclonal antibody against the fragment of an intracellular domain of the receptor. The possibilities that these receptors may regulate the formation of gap and/or tight junctions between adjacent endothelial cells influencing the blood-brain barrier, or modulate the contractility of capillary endothelial cells are discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
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Animals
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Brain / blood supply*
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Brain / immunology
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Brain / ultrastructure
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Brain Chemistry*
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Endothelium, Vascular / chemistry*
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Endothelium, Vascular / immunology
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Endothelium, Vascular / ultrastructure
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Immunohistochemistry / methods
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Male
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Microscopy, Electron
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / blood supply
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Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus / chemistry
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, Purinergic P2 / analysis*
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Receptors, Purinergic P2 / immunology
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
Substances
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P2rx2 protein, rat
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Receptors, Purinergic P2
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Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
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Adenosine Triphosphate