Evaluation of the presence and localization of P2 receptors in human blood vessels

Abstract

Aim. To study the presence and localization of the P2X and P2Y receptor subtypes in the human cystic artery and great saphenous vein (with and without varicose disease).Methods. Segments of the human blood vessels were stained using a standard two-step immunohistochemical analysis using primary and secondary antibodies. In the experiments primary antibodies to the following receptors were used: Р2Х1, Р2Х2, Р2Х3, Р2Х4, Р2Y1, Р2Y2, Р2Y4. In order to determine the presence of a receptor in a vessel sample a comparison was made between staining of the experimental and the control samples, which were not treated with primary antibodies.Results. Immunohistochemical analysis of the cystic artery showed the presence of Р2Х1, Р2Х3, Р2Y1, Р2Y2 receptors. All receptor subtypes were found to be located in the muscular layer of the artery, whereas the P2Y1 receptor was also expressed on the surface of the endothelial cells. In the great saphenous vein without varicose disease Р2Х1, Р2Х2 и Р2Y1 receptor subtypes were identified, all of which were found to be located on the smooth muscle cells of the vein. Similarly to the cystic artery, the Р2Y1 receptor was also found within the endothelial layer of the vein. At the same time, only Р2Х2 и Р2Y1 receptor subtypes were expressed in the muscular layer of the great saphenous vein affected by varicose disease. No P2 receptor subtypes were identified on the endothelial layer of the varicose-diseased vein.Conclusion. Different P2 receptor subtypes were found to be present in the smooth muscle and endothelial layers of the human cystic artery and great saphenous vein. The identified differences in the receptor subtypes between samples of great saphenous veins with and without varicose disease are, most likely, explained by the restructuring of the receptor apparatus as a result of varicose disease progression.

The Role of P2 Receptor-Mediated Component in Neurogenic Tone Control of Human Great Saphenous Vein

“…The presence and activity of P2 receptors in varicose and non-varicose human GSV have been previously shown by our group [7][8][9] and other researchers [10]. We found various subtypes of P2 receptors in smooth muscle cells and in the endothelial layer of the GSV [9].…”

“…We found various subtypes of P2 receptors in smooth muscle cells and in the endothelial layer of the GSV [9]. However, the extent of involvement of these receptors in the formation of the GSV tone remained unstudied.…”

“…Availability and activity of P2 receptors in human GSV have been shown in our previous studies [7][8][9][10]. However, the physiological and pathophysiological role of these receptors in the human GSV affected and non-affected by varicose disease remains unclear.…”

“…Thus, P2 receptors play a role of a specific protective mechanism, which may be activated by the human organism during certain pathological processes. In particular, in varicose disease, the P2 receptor apparatus of the GSV undergoes reorganization, which manifests itself in altering the sensitivity of P2 receptors to the action of agonists and antagonists on various segments of the GSV [7]. Such reorganization may signify the involvement of P2 receptors in the pathogenesis of varicose disease development, which to date is not well studied.…”

Purinergic Signaling in the Cardiovascular System

“…For example, P2Y 1 receptors in human cystic artery and great saphenous vein 75 and P2Y 6 receptors in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries and human subcutaneous arteries mediate contraction.…”