P2X receptors are expressed on neurons containing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in the mouse hypothalamus

Neurosci Lett. 2009 Jul 10;458(1):32-6. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.04.017. Epub 2009 Apr 11.

Abstract

Expression of P2X(1), P2X(2), P2X(3), P2X(4), P2X(5) and P2X(6) receptors, members of a family of ATP-gated cation channels, on neurons containing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) in the mouse hypothalamus was studied with double-labeling fluorescence immunohistochemistry. This study demonstrated that different combinations of P2X receptor subunits were expressed on the perikarya and axon terminals of LHRH-producing neurons. It was shown for the first time that P2X(2), P2X(4), P2X(5) and P2X(6) receptor subunits were expressed on the perikarya of LHRH-producing neurons and P2X(2) and P2X(6) on their axon terminals. These results suggest that activation of P2X receptors by ATP via different homomeric or heteromeric P2X receptors at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites could be involved in the regulation of LHRH secretion at the forebrain level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Hypothalamus / cytology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / classification*
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Protein Subunits
  • Receptors, Purinergic P2
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone