Embryonic expression of a P2X(3) receptor encoding gene in zebrafish.

From studies performed primarily in mammals, it is thought that the P2X(3) purinoreceptor is involved in mediating sensory and nociceptive signals in adult tissues. However, little is known concerning the expression or function of P2X family genes during early development. Here we describe the expression of a gene (p2x3) encoding a P2X(3) receptor during zebrafish development. We find that zebrafish p2x3 is expressed in the anlage of the trigeminal ganglion from very early stages of development, most likely in neural crest derived trigeminal cells as opposed to placode derived cells. p2x3 is also expressed in the spinal sensory Rohon-Beard cells and in the putative posterior lateral line ganglion.