We previously demonstrated that canine erythrocytes express the P2X 7 receptor, and that the function and expression of this receptor is greatly increased compared with human erythrocytes. Using 86 Rb + (K + ) and organic cation flux measurements, we further compared P2X 7 in erythrocytes and mononuclear leukocytes from these species. Concentration response curves of BzATP-and ATP-induced 86 Rb + efflux demonstrated that canine P2X 7 was less sensitive to inhibition by extracellular Na + ions compared to human P2X 7 . In contrast, canine and human P2X 7 showed a similar sensitivity to the P2X 7 antagonists KN-62 and Mg 2+ . KN-62 and Mg 2+ also inhibited ATPinduced choline + uptake into canine and human erythrocytes. BzATP and ATP but not ADP or NAD induced ethidium + uptake into canine monocytes, T-and B-cells. ATP-induced ethidium + uptake was twofold greater in canine T-cells compared to canine B-cells and monocytes. KN-62 inhibited the ATP-induced ethidium + uptake in each cell type. P2X 7 -mediated uptake of organic cations was 40-and fivefold greater in canine erythrocytes and lymphocytes (T-and B-cells), respectively, compared to equivalent human cell types. In contrast, P2X 7 function was threefold lower in canine monocytes compared to human monocytes.Thus, P2X 7 activation can induce the uptake of organic cations into canine erythrocytes and mononuclear leukocytes, but the relative levels of P2X 7 function differ to that of equivalent human cell types.