Embryonic expression of a P2X(3) receptor encoding gene in zebrafish

From studies performed primarily in mammals, it is thought that the P2X(3) purinoreceptor is involved in mediating sensory and nociceptive signals in adult tissues. However, little is known concerning the expression or functi on of P2X family genes during early development. Here we describe the expre ssion of a gene (p2x3) encoding a P2X(3) receptor during zebrafish developm ent. We find that zebrafish p2x3 is expressed in the anlage of the trigemin al ganglion from very early stages of development, most likely in neural cr est derived trigeminal cells as opposed to placode derived cells. p2x3 is a lso expressed in the spinal sensory Rohon-Beard cells and in the putative p osterior lateral Line ganglion. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.