P2Y2 receptor expression is altered in rats after spinal cord injury

Int J Dev Neurosci, 2010 · DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2010.07.001 · Published: October 1, 2010

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries can lead to the release of inhibitory factors that prevent nerve regeneration. This study looks at the role of P2Y2 receptors, which respond to released nucleotides, in this process in rats. The study found that after a spinal cord injury in rats, the expression of the P2Y2 receptor increased. This increase was observed in various types of cells including neurons, astrocytes, macrophages, and oligodendrocytes. These findings suggest that the P2Y2 receptor may play a role in the body's response to spinal cord injury. Blocking these receptors could potentially reduce the negative effects of this response and promote nerve regeneration.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
P2Y2 mRNA significantly increased after 2 days post-injury and remained elevated for 28 days.
2
P2Y2 immunoreactivity was found in neuronal cell bodies, axons, macrophages, oligodendrocytes, and reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury.
3
Western blot analysis revealed an upregulation of the 42 kDa P2Y2 protein band and a downregulation of the 62 kDa receptor protein band after spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

This study investigates the temporal profile of the P2Y2 nucleotide receptor after spinal cord injury (SCI) in adult female Sprague–Dawley rats, focusing on its role in the pathophysiology response generated after trauma. The research employs molecular biology, immunofluorescence studies, and Western blots to evaluate the temporal profile of this receptor at various time points post-injury (2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days). The findings indicate a significant increase in P2Y2 mRNA expression after SCI, localized P2Y2 immunoreactivity in various cell types, and revealed an upregulation of the 42 kDa P2Y2 protein band along with a downregulation of the 62 kDa receptor protein band.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

P2Y2 receptors may be a novel therapeutic target for controlling reactive astrogliosis after spinal cord injury.

Understanding SCI

The study contributes to the understanding of molecular events that trigger the gliotic response after injury.

Axonal Regeneration

Blocking P2Y2 receptors may diminish the gliotic response, reducing repulsive mechanisms from proteins expressed by glial cells and promoting axonal regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study focuses on female rats, and results may not be generalizable to males.
2
The molecular events that trigger this gliotic response after injury are unknown
3
The uncontrolled discharge of ATP can act as an excitotoxin in certain pathological conditions

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