Are you Aine Seavers?

Claim your profile

Publications (2)4.15 Total impact

  • Article: Functional expression of the damage-associated molecular pattern receptor P2X7 on canine kidney epithelial cells.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Epithelial cells are important in inflammation and immunity. In this study, we examined if Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells express functional P2X7 receptors, which bind the damage-associated molecular pattern extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and immunoblotting revealed the expression of P2X7 in MDCK cells. A flow cytometric assay demonstrated that ATP or 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)ATP induced ethidium(+) uptake into MDCK cells, and that this process was impaired by the P2X7 antagonists KN-62 and A438079. RT-PCR also demonstrated the presence of Toll-like receptor 4, NALP3, caspase-1, interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in MDCK cells, as well as in positive control LPS-primed canine monocytes. In conclusion, the MDCK epithelial cell line expresses functional P2X7, as well as Toll-like receptor 4 and molecules associated with the NALP3 inflammasome. This cell line may help elucidate the role of these molecules in kidney epithelial cells and renal disorders in dogs and humans.
    Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 10/2012; · 2.08 Impact Factor
  • Article: Activation of the damage-associated molecular pattern receptor P2X7 induces interleukin-1β release from canine monocytes.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: P2X7, a damage-associated molecular pattern receptor and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-gated cation channel, plays an important role in the activation of the NALP3 inflammasome and subsequent release of interleukin (IL)-1β from human monocytes; however its role in monocytes from other species including the dog remains poorly defined. This study investigated the role of P2X7 in canine monocytes, including its role in IL-1β release. A fixed-time flow cytometric assay demonstrated that activation of P2X7 by extracellular ATP induces the uptake of the organic cation, YO-PRO-1(2+), into peripheral blood monocytes from various dog breeds, a process impaired by the specific P2X7 antagonist, A438079. Moreover, in five different breeds, relative P2X7 function in monocytes was about half that of peripheral blood T cells but similar to that of peripheral blood B cells. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated the presence of P2X7, NALP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β in LPS-primed canine monocytes. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of P2X7 in LPS-primed canine monocytes. Finally, extracellular ATP induced YO-PRO-1(2+) uptake into and IL-1β release from these cells, with both processes impaired by A438079. These results demonstrate that P2X7 activation induces the uptake of organic cations into and the release of IL-1β from canine monocytes. These findings indicate that P2X7 may play an important role in IL-1β-dependent processes in dogs.
    Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 05/2012; 149(1-2):86-91. · 2.08 Impact Factor