1 Previous studies have indicated the expression of multiple P2Y receptors
by rat hepatocytes although they have nor been identified. Here we show by
reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) that rat hepatocyt
es express mRNA encoding all of the four cloned rat P2Y receptors (P2Y(1),
P2Y(2), P2Y(4) and P2Y(6)).
2 The effects of UTP have been examined on single aequorin-injected rat hep
atocytes. The [Ca2+](i) transients induced by UTP were indistinguishable fr
om those induced by ATP in the same cell. The modulatory effects of elevate
d intracellular cyclic AMP concentration were the same on both UTP- and ATP
-induced [Ca2+](i) transients.
3 UDP, an agonist at the P2Y(6) receptor, filled to induce transients in he
patocytes, indicating that functional P2Y(6) receptors coupled to increased
[Ca2+](i) are not expressed.
4 The transients evoked by ADP were more sensitive to inhibition by suramin
than those induced by either ATP or UTP. Within an individual cell, the tr
ansients induced by ATP and UTP were inhibited by the same concentration of
suramin. This sensitivity of ATP and UTP responses to suramin suggests act
ion through P2Y(2) rather than P2Y(4) receptors.
5 Co-application of 30 mu M pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphoni
c acid (PPADS) caused a decrease in frequency and amplitude of transients i
nduced by ADP. ATP- and UTP-induced transients also displayed a decrease in
amplitude in response to addition of PPADS, but this was accompanied by an
increase in frequency of transients.
6 In conclusion the data presented here are consistent with the co-expressi
on of P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptors by rat hepatocytes.