[Calcium mobilization and influx induced by extracellular ATP in the lens epithelial cells].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of extracellular ATP application on the intracellular Ca++ concentration of the in vitro lens epithelial cells (LECs).

METHODS

LECs were loaded with fluo-3, then the changes of fluorescent intensities in different conditions were observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM).

RESULTS

Normal in vitro LECs have strong response to 100 mumol/L ATP and a biphasic wave rise is shown, but LECs have no apparent response to low concentration ATP. When the extracellular calcium chelates to ethylene glycol bis (2-aminoethyl) ether tetracetic acid (EGTA), ATP stimulates the cells and the response is a rapid monophasic rise.

CONCLUSION

ATP can induce calcium mobilization and entry into LECs loaded with fluo-3 in a dose-dependent manner. In the LEC membrane, possibly there are P2-purinoceptors.