P2X receptors mediate the effects of ATP in micturition and nociception. During postnatal maturation, a spinobulbospinal reflex and voluntary voiding replace primitive voiding reflexes. This may involve changes in neuroactive compounds and receptors in bladder reflex pathways. We examined P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in bladder and spinal cord from postnatal (P0-P36, indicating number of days) and adult Wistar rats. Western blot of whole bladders for P2X2 and P2X3 expression was performed. Immunostaining for P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in urothelium and detrusor smooth muscle whole mounts and spinal cord sections was examined. Western blot demonstrated an age-dependent decrease (R(2) = 0.96, P </= 0.005) in P2X2 receptor expression in bladder, whereas P2X3 receptor expression in bladder peaked (P </= 0.005) during P14-P21. P2X2-immunoreactivity (IR) was present in urothelial cells, suburothelial plexus, detrusor smooth muscle, and serosa at birth, with staining in urothelial cells and serosa being most predominant. With increasing postnatal age, the intensity of P2X2-IR decreased in urothelial cells but increased in suburothelial plexus. P2X3-IR increased in urothelial cells and suburothelial plexus with postnatal age, whereas staining in detrusor and serosa remained relatively constant. At birth, P2X3-IR was present in the dorsal horn, lateral collateral pathway, and dorsal commissure. With increasing age, P2X3-IR was restricted to superficial dorsal horn and lateral collateral pathway. P2X2-IR was present in ependyme cells (S-100-IR) of the central canal as early as P2. These studies demonstrate plastic expression of P2X2 and P2X3 receptors in bladder and spinal cord during early postnatal development at times coincident with appearance of mature voiding patterns.