Antagonism of ATP responses at P2X receptor subtypes by the pH indicator dye, Phenol red

1 Many types of culture media contain a pH‐sensitive dye. One commonly occurring dye, Phenol red sodium (Na+) salt, was tested for blocking activity at rat P2X1−4 receptors (P2X1−4Rs) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 2 Phenol red Na+‐salt antagonised adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) responses at P2X1R (IC50, 3 μM) and, at higher concentrations, also blocked P2X2R and P2X3R. Phenol red Na+‐salt, purified of lipophilic contaminants, blocked P2X1R and P2X3R by acting as an insurmountable antagonist. 3 Two lipophilic extracts of Phenol red antagonised ATP responses at P2XRs. Extract A was a potent antagonist at P2X1R (IC50, 1.4 μM), whereas extract B was a potent antagonist at P2X3R (IC50, 4.1 μM). A bisphenolic compound (RS151030) found in these extracts was a potent antagonist at P2X1R (IC50, 0.3 μM) and at P2X3R (IC50, 2.4 μM). 4 Phenolphthalein base was a potent irreversible antagonist at P2X1R (IC50, 1 μM), whereas Phenolphthalein K+‐salt was 25‐fold less potent here. 5 Phenolphthalein base was a reversible antagonist of ATP responses at rat P2X4R (IC50, 26 μM), whereas Phenolphthalein K+‐salt was inactive. 6 Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), used to dissolve lipophilic extracts, showed pharmacological activity by itself at rat P2X1R and P2X4R. 7 Thus, Phenol red and related compounds are antagonists at rat P2X1R, but are also active at other rat P2XRs. Phenolphthalein base is a newly identified, low potency antagonist of ATP responses at P2X4R. Culture media containing these red dyes should be used cautiously in future pharmacological studies of P2XRs. Also, wherever possible, the solvent DMSO should be used with caution. British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 313–322. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706187