Aluminum-induced alterations of purinergic signalling in embryonic neural progenitor cells

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of aluminum in the environment leads to a high likelihood of human exposure. Neurotoxicity of the trivalent cationic form of this metal (Al3+) occurs in the central nervous system via accumulation of Al in cells of neural origin, including neural progenitor cells (NPCs). NPCs play a key role in the development and regeneration of the brain throughout life; therefore, this metal may contribute to neuropathological conditions. Here, we evaluated the effects of different Al3+ concentrations (0–50 μM) on the purinergic system of NPCs isolated from embryonic telencephalons, cultured as neurospheres. Al3+ adhered to the cell surface of neurospheres reducing extracellular ATP release, as well as ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis by NTPDase and 5′-nucleotidase, respectively. In addition, impaired nucleotide release by Al3+ reduced P2Y1 and adenosine A2A receptors expression in differentiated neurospheres. These receptors are crucial for NPC proliferation during brain development and self-repair against external stimuli, such as metal exposure. Thus, Al3+ represents an environmental agent linked to neurodegeneration through alterations in the ATP-signalling pathway, proving to be a potential mechanism associated with NPC proliferation and brain degeneration.