Chronological alterations of P2X3 receptor expression in the trigeminal ganglion after ischaemic insult in the Mongolian gerbil

P2X receptors play a role in the transduction of sensory signals like pain. Few studies have been undertaken on altered P2X(3) receptor (P2X3) expression in sensory neurones after peripheral nerve injury. In the present study, we investigated chronological alterations in P2X3 immunoreactivity and its protein content in the trigeminal ganglion after ischaemic insult in the Mongolian gerbil. In the sham-operated group, P2X3-immunoreactive neurones were found abundantly in small- and medium-sized neurones. From 1 day after ischaemic insult, the number of P2X3-immunoreactive neurones decreased significantly. At 5 days after ischaemic insult, P2X3 immunoreactivity was observed in few neurones, but its immunoreactivity was weak. However, the number of cresyl violet-positive neurones was unchanged throughout this period in all groups. These results suggest that transient trigeminal ganglion ischaemia may provoke a decrease of P2X3 expression and its protein content, and that this down-regulation of P2X3 may be related to the altered pain and thermal sensation without being associated with a transient ischaemic insult.