Canine erythrocytes express the P2X7 receptor: greatly increased function compared with human erythrocytes.

Abstract

Over three decades ago, Parker and Snow (Am J Physiol 223: 888-893, 1972) demonstrated that canine erythrocytes undergo an increase in cation permeability when incubated with extracellular ATP. In this study we examined the expression and function of the channel/pore-forming P2X(7) receptor on canine erythrocytes. P2X(7) receptors were detected on canine erythrocytes by immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting. Extracellular ATP induced (86)Rb(+) (K(+)) efflux from canine erythrocytes that was 20 times greater than that from human erythrocytes. The P2X(7) agonist 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine 5'-trisphosphate (BzATP) was more potent than ATP, and both stimulated (86)Rb(+) efflux from er..