Pancreatic ducts have several types of purinergic P2 receptors, however, nothing is known about P2 receptors in acini. The aim was to establish whether acini express functional P2 receptors coupled to intracellular Ca2+ signals and to measure the signals ratiometrically in a confocal laser scanning microscope. Rat acini and ducts were loaded with various Ca2+ sensing fluorophores (Fluo-4, Fura-Red, Calcium Green-1, Indo-1 and Fura-2). Only Fura-2 loaded evenly into acinar clusters and ducts and UV laser excitation at 351 and 364 nm gave signals showing opposite sensitivity to Ca2+ concentration changes. About 15% of acini or single cells within acini responded to ATP or UTP, yet all responded to carbachol. In contrast, all ducts responded to ATP/UTP. ATP stimulated uptake of a fluorescent anion, luciferin, but again only in a few acinar cells. RT-PCR analysis on acini samples collected from whole pancreas suspensions revealed transcripts for P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2X1, P2X4 receptors. The low number of functional P2 receptors in acini might be related to the fact that they release ATP. Thereby acini would avoid autocrine stimulation and initiation of autodigestive processes, such as occurs in pancreatitis.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.