Objective To investigate the role and significance of P2X purinoceptor in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) of SD rat bladder.  Methods SD rat bladders were collected and stored in ice-cold PBS

then cryostat sections were sliced to 10μm thickness. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to observe the distribution of ICCs with c-kit as the markers. Double-label immunoflurorescence was used to study the expression of P2X purinoceptor subtypes in ICCs.  Results c-kit positive cells were mainly distributed in the sub-mucous layer of bladder

along the edge of smooth muscle bundles and between them. They connected with each other and formed a network distribution in the sub-mucous layer of bladder. Double-labeled tissues with c-kit and P2X antibodies showed that there were P2X2 and P2X5 purinoceptors on ICCs of rat bladder.  Conclusion ICCs of rat bladder express P2X2 and P2X5 purinoceptors

suggesting that the purinoceptors may play important roles in ATP-mediated modulation to bladder function.