P2X4 receptors mediate ATP-induced calcium influx in human vascular endothelial cells

ATP induces Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane and activates release from intracellular Ca2+ pools in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Ca2+ signaling leads to the modification of a variety of EC functions, including the production of vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. However, the molecular mechanisms for ATP-induced Ca2+ influx in ECs have not been thoroughly clarified. Here we demonstrate evidence that a P2X4receptor for an ATP-gated cation channel is predominantly expressed in human ECs and is involved in the ATP-induced Ca2+ influx. Northern blot analysis distinctly showed the expression of P2X4 mRNA in human ECs cultured from the umbilical vein, aorta, pulmonary artery, and skin microvessels. Competitive PCR revealed that P2X4 mRNA expression was much higher in ECs than was the expression of other subtypes, including P2X1, P2X3, P2X5, and P2X7. Treatment of ECs with antisense oligonucleotides designed to target the P2X4 receptor decreased the P2X4 mRNA and protein levels to ∼25% of control levels and markedly prevented the ATP-induced Ca2+ influx.