Immunohistochemical localization of adenosine 5`-triphosphate-gated ion channel P2X2 receptor subunits in adult and developing rat cochlea
- 11 May 2000
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of Comparative Neurology
- Vol. 421 (3), 289-301
- https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(20000605)421:3<289::aid-cne1>3.0.co;2-0
Abstract
Substantial in vitro and in vivo data support a role for extracellular adenosine 5`‐triphosphate (ATP) and associated P2 receptors in cochlear function. However, the precise spatiotemporal distribution of the involved receptor protein(s) has not been determined. By using a specific antiserum and immunoperoxidase labeling, the tissue distribution of the P2X2 subunit of the ATP‐gated ion channel was investigated. Here, we describe the first extensive immunohistochemical mapping of P2X2 receptor subunits in the adult and developing rat cochlea. In the adult, immunoreactivity was observed in most cells bordering on the endolymphatic compartment (scala media), particularly in the supporting cells. Hair cells were not immunostained by the P2X2 antiserum, except for outer hair cell stereocilia. In addition, weak immunolabeling was observed in some spiral ganglion neurons. P2X2 receptor subunit protein expression during labyrinthine ontogeny was detected first on embryonic day 19 in the spiral ganglion and in associated nerve fibers extending to the inner hair cells. Immunostaining also was observed underneath outer hair cells, and, by postnatal day 6 (P6), intense immunolabeling was seen in the synaptic regions of both types of hair cell. Supporting cells of the sensory epithelium were labeled at P0. This labeling became most prominent from the onset of cochlear function (P8–P12). Conversely, expression in the vascular stria declined from this time. By P21, the pattern of immunolabeling was similar to that found in the adult. The localization and timing of P2X2 immunoreactivity suggest involvement of extracellular ATP and associated ATP‐gated ion channels in important physiological events, such as inner ear ontogeny, sound transduction, cochlear micromechanics, electrochemical homeostasis, and auditory neurotransmission. J. Comp. Neurol. 421:289–301, 2000.Keywords
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