Abstract:AIM: To discuss the functional significance of purine receptor P2X7 in retinal capillary pericytes rats.
METHODS: The TUNEL test was applied to observe the survival rate of normal retinal capillary pericytes and diabetic retinal capillary pericytes which were affected by P2X7 agonist BzATP and antagonist OxATP in microscopy.
RESULTS: Activation of P2X7 receptors caused occurence of apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes. Compared with normal retinal capillary pericytes, when they were at the same concentration or time, the diabetic retinal capillary pericytes caused much more apoptosis than normal retinal capillary pericytes. The antagonist OxATP could significantly reduce the toxic effects activated by BzATP, and then increased the livability of retinal capillary pericytes.
CONCLUSION:The activity of P2X7 receptor plays a regulatory role on RPC apoptosis.
