Localization of the p2x1 purinoceptors by autoradiography and immunohistochemistry in the rat kidney. Chan, C. M., R. J. Unwin, M. Bardini, I. B. Oglesby, A. P. D. W. Ford, A. Townsend-Nicholson & G. Burnstock. Centre for Nephrology, Department of Medicine & Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Roche Bioscience, 3401 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
APStracts 5:0016F, 1998.
P2 receptors have been identified in rat kidney by autoradiography, using the radioligand [3H](,(-methylene ATP, and by immunohistochemistry, using a polyclonal antibody to the P2X1 purinoceptor. They have been localised to the vascular smooth muscle of intrarenal arteries, including arcuate and interlobular arteries, and afferent arterioles, but not glomeruli, postglomerular efferent arterioles or renal tubules. We conclude that at least some of the P2 receptors present on vascular smooth muscle are of the P2X1 subtype. The functional significance of these findings in the vascular control of the kidney is discussed.

Received 24 September 1997; accepted in final form 12 January
1998.
APS Manuscript Number F309-7.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Renal Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1998 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 28 January 1998