ADP-evoked phospholipase C stimulation and adenylyl cyclase inhibition in glioma C6 cells occur through two distinct nucleotide receptors, P2Y(1) and P2Y(12).

In this study we characterized the subtypes of nucleotide P2Y receptors that respond to ADP in glioma C6 cells. Direct visualization of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate at the cell surface revealed that extracellular ADP activates phospholipase C (PLC). Knock-down of P2Y(1) receptor with antisense oligonucleotide, as well as treatment with MRS2179 and pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (P2Y(1) antagonists), attenuates receptor-mediated PLC activity. Adenylyl cyclase inhibition by ADP remains unchanged under these conditions. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that P2Y(12) receptor is expressed in C6 cells. We therefore conclude that, in glioma C6 cells, two P2Y receptor subtypes are present: P2Y(1), coupled to PLC, and P2Y(12), negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase.