Gene expression of the P2X receptors in the rat retina

Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1998 Aug 31;59(2):269-72. doi: 10.1016/s0169-328x(98)00159-4.

Abstract

Molecular-biological methods were used to demonstrate the expression of six P2X receptor subunits (P2X1-P2X6) in retina and choroid. Despite the considerable evidence for signalling by extracellular nucleotides in other sensory systems, few studies have been undertaken in the eye. RT-PCR for the detection of P2X subunit mRNA in the rat of different postnatal developmental stages (P23-P210) revealed the presence of P2X2 and P2X4 mRNA in the retina and choroid; P2X3, and P2X5 were detected only in the retina. There was no evidence for P2X1 and P2X6 mRNA in the ocular tissue under investigation. Our data suggest that extracellular ATP may have influences on visual processing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Choroid / chemistry
  • Choroid / embryology
  • Choroid / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Male
  • Neuropeptides / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / genetics*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X3
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X5
  • Retina / chemistry*
  • Retina / embryology
  • Retina / physiology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • P2rx2 protein, rat
  • P2rx3 protein, rat
  • P2rx4 protein, rat
  • P2rx5 protein, rat
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X2
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X3
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X4
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2X5
  • purinoceptor P2X6