Developmentally regulated expression of the P2X3 receptor in the mouse cochlea

ATP-gated non-selective cation channels assembled from P2X₃ receptor subunits contribute to transduction and neurotransmitter signaling in peripheral sensory systems and also feature prominently in the development of the central nervous system. In this study, P2X₃ receptor expression was characterized in the mouse cochlea from embryonic day 18 (E18) using confocal immunofluorescence. From E18 to P6, spiral ganglion neuron cell bodies and peripheral neurites projecting to the inner and outer hair cells were labeled. The inner spiral plexus associated with the inner hair cell synapses had a stronger fluorescence signal than outer spiral bundle fibers which provide the afferent innervation to the outer hair cells. Labeling in the cell bodies and peripheral neurites diminished around P6, and was no longer detected after the onset of hearing (P11, P17, adult). In opposition to the axiom that P2X₃ expression is neuron-specific, inner and outer sensory hair cells were labeled in the base and mid turn region at E18, but at P3 only the outer hair cells in the most apical region of the cochlea continued to express the protein. These data suggest a role for P2X₃ receptor-mediated purinergic signaling in cochlear synaptic reorganization, and establishment of neurotransmission, which occurs just prior to the onset of hearing function.