Identification of P2X₃ and P2X₇ purinergic receptors activated by ATP in rat lacrimal gland.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE. To identify the type of purinergic receptors activated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in rat lacrimal gland and to determine their role in protein secretion. METHODS. Purinergic receptors were identified by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence techniques. Acini from rat lacrimal gland were isolated by collagenase digestion. Acini were incubated with the fluorescence indicator fura-2 tetra-acetoxylmethyl ester, and intracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](i)) was determined. Protein secretion was measured by fluorescence assay. RESULTS. The authors previously showed that P2X(7)receptors were functional in the lacrimal gland. In this study, they show that P2X(1-4) and P2X(6)receptors were identified in the lacrimal gland by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence anal

SUBMITTER: Hodges RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3109027 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature