Effects of protein deprivation and re-feeding on P2X_2 receptors in enteric neurons

AIM:To investigate the effects of malnutrition and refeeding on the P2X2 receptor,nitric oxide synthase(NOS),calretinin,calbindin and choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) in neurons of the rat ileum.METHODS:We analyzed the co-localization,numbers and sizes of P2X2-expressing neurons in relation to NOS-immunoreactive(IR),calbindin-IR,ChAT-IR,and calretinin-IR neurons of the myenteric and submucosal plexus.The experimental groups consisted of:(1) rats maintained on normal feed throughout pregnancy until 42 d post-...