P2X2 and P2X3 receptor expression in postnatal and adult rat urinary bladder and lumbosacral spinal cord

P2X receptors mediate the effects of ATP in micturition and nociception. During postnatal maturation, a spinobulbospinal reflex and voluntary voiding replace primitive voiding reflexes. This may involve changes in neuroactive compounds and receptors in bladder reflex pathways. We examined P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in bladder and spinal cord from postnatal (P0-P36, indicating number of days) and adult Wistar rats. Western blot of whole bladders for P2X2 and P2X3 expression was performed. Immunostaining for P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in urothelium and detrusor smooth muscle whole mounts and spinal cord sections was examined. Western blot demonstrated an age-dependent decrease (R(2) = 0.96, P