Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China

Abstract 

Objective 
The aim of the present study is to verify the ATP-induced varied responses in isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of the adult rat, and investigate the modulatory effects of specific P2X receptor agonist β, γ-me-ATP and protein kinase C (PKC) on P2X receptor-mediated inward current in DRG neurons. 
Methods 
Whole cell patch-clamp was employed to record the currents on acutely isolated DRG neurons in the adult rats. 
Results 
β, γ-me-ATP, similar as ATP, evoked 2 distinct subtypes of P2X receptor-mediated inward currents in a dose-dependent manner in DRG neurons. Activation of PKC by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) significantly inhibited both subtypes of inward currents mediated by P2X receptors in a dose-dependent manner. 
Conclusion 
Activation of PKC negatively modulated the P2X receptor-mediated currents in rat DRG neurons, which may be of benefit to preventing the over-excitation of nociceptor under inflammatory or neuropathic conditions.

Keywords

dorsal root ganglion; P2X; ATP; β,γ-me-ATP; protein kinase C

[SpringerLink]