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Functional interactions between P2X4 and P2X7 receptors from mouse salivary epithelia

Mouse parotid acinar cells express P2X4 and P2X7 receptors (mP2X4R and mP2X7R) whose physiological function remains undetermined. Here we show that mP2X4R expressed in HEK‐293 cells do not allow the passage of tetraethylammonium (TEA+) and promote little, if any, ethidium bromide (EtBr) uptake when stimulated with ATP or BzATP. In contrast, mP2X7R generates slowly decaying TEA+ current, sustained Na+ current and promotes robust EtBr uptake. However, ATP‐activated TEA+ current from acinar cells was unlike that generated by mP2X7R or mP2X4R. Functional interactions between mP2X4R and mP2X7R were investigated in HEK cells co‐transfected with different mP2X4 : mP2X7 cDNA ratios and using solutions containing either TEA+ or Na+ ions. Co‐expressed channels generated a TEA+ current that displayed faster decay during ATP stimulation than mP2X7R alone. Moreover, cells transfected with a 2 : 1 cDNA ratio displayed decaying kinetics similar to those observed in acinar cells. Concentration–response curves in Na+‐containing solutions were constructed for heterologously expressed mP2X4R, mP2X7R and mP2X4R:mP2X7R co‐expressions as well as acinar cells. The EC50 values determined were 11, 220, 434 and 442 μm, respectively. Na+ currents generated by expressing mP2X4R or mP2X7R alone were potentiated by ivermectin (IVM). In contrast, IVM potentiation in acinar cells and HEK cells co‐expressing P2X4 and P2X7 (1 : 1 or 2 : 1 cDNA ratios) was seen only when the ATP concentration was lowered from 5 to 0.03 mm. Taken together our observations indicate a functional interaction between murine P2X7 and P2X4 receptors. Such interaction might occur in acinar cells to shape the response to extracellular ATP in salivary epithelia.