Distribution of P2X receptors in the rat adrenal gland

The distribution of each of the seven subtypes of ATP-gated P2X receptors was investigated in the adrenal gland of rat utilizing immunohistochemical techniques with specific polyclonal antibodies to unique peptide sequences of P2X1-7 receptors. A small number of chromaffin cells showed positive immunoreaction for P2X5 and P2X7, with the relative occurrence of P2X7-immunoreactive chromaffin cells exceeding that of P2X5. The preganglionic nerve fibres that form terminal plexuses around some chromaffin cells showed P2X1 immunoreactivity. Intrinsic adrenal neurones were observed to be positively stained for P2X2 and P2X3 receptors, P2X2 immunoreactivity occurred in several neurones found singly or in groups in the medulla, while only a small number of neurones were immunoreactive for P2X3. Adrenal cortical cells were positively immunostained for P2X4-7. Immunoreactivity for P2X4 was confined to the cells of the zona reticularis, while P2X5-7 immunoreactivities occurred in cells of the zona fasciculata. The relative occurrence of immunoreactive cortical cells of the zona fasciculata was highest for P2X6, followed by P2X7 and then P2X5. The smooth muscle of some capsular and subcapsular blood vessels showed P2X2 immunoreactivity. The specific and widespread distribution of P2X receptor subtypes in the adrenal gland suggests a significant role for purine signalling in the physiology of the rat adrenal gland.