Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of pannexin3 (Panx3) in human odontoblast-like cells (hOBs) and its hemichannel function in mediating ATP release.
Methods: RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis were used to detect the expression of pannexins (Panxs) in human dental pulp tissue and cultured cells. To determine the role of Panx3 in ATP release, hOBs were infected with Panx3-overexpression lentivirus, Panx3-shRNA lentivirus or control lentivirus and then stimulated with cold buffer. Intracellular ATP was monitored using quinacrine, and then semi-quantitatively analyzed. In the meantime, the ATP release was quantitatively analyzed using the bioluminescence method when the cells were exposed to cold stimulus.
Results: Panx3 mRNA and protein were found in dental pulp tissue and cultured cells. Upon cold stimulus, intracellular ATP was released into the extracellular space. Overexpression of Panx3 accelerated ATP release, whereas inhibition of Panx3 suppressed this process.
Conclusion: Panx3 hemichannel is expressed in human odontoblast-like cells and mediates ATP release into the extracellular space.
Keywords: ATP release; Dentin hypersensitivity; Hemichannel; Human odontoblast-like cell (hOB); Pannexin3 (Panx3).
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