This work demonstrates that expression of the P2X(2) receptor is present in inhibitory, intrinsic primary afferent, cholinergic secretomotor and vasomotor neurons. Undernutrition affected P2X(2) receptor expression in the submucosal plexus, and neuronal and size. These changes were rescued in the re-fed rats.

These data demonstrate that ischemia/reperfusion of the intestine affects the expression of the P2X2 receptor in neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus, as well as density and size of neurons in this population. Our findings indicate that I/R-i induces changes in P2X2-IR enteric neurons that could result in alterations in intestinal motility.

We demonstrate increases in P2X₂R expression and alterations in nNOS, ChAT and CalR IR in ileal myenteric neurons of female ob/ob mice compared to wild-type controls.

Obesity may exert its effects by promoting a decrease in P2X2 receptor expression and modifications in the density of the NOS-ir, ChAT-ir and CalR-ir myenteric neurons.