P2X receptors contribute visual information processing in the mouse retina

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K09939
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Nippon Medical School
• Principal Investigator: Ishii Toshiyuki 日本医科大学, 医学部, 准教授 (10643140)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: P2X受容体 / ATP / 網膜 / 網膜神経節細胞 / アマクリン細胞 / 視覚

Outline of Final Research Achievements

ATP acts as a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. All subtypes of P2X receptors (P2X1 - P2X7) have been identified in the mouse retina. However, the types of P2X receptors contributing the signal processing in the retina have not been well elucidated. In the present study, we focused on P2X3 receptors, and investigated the receptor localization and physiological function by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and electrophysiological techniques. We found that P2X3 receptors were detected in amacrine cells and retinal ganglion cells, and the S/N ratio of the firing of retinal ganglion cells was regulated to the appropriate levels.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、中枢神経系におけるP2X3受容体の機能の理解に貢献するとともに、眼内でATP濃度の上昇が報告されている緑内障や加齢黄斑変性症などの疾患の新たな治療薬の開発につながることが期待される。