P2X7 receptors in cerebral ischemia

Cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases resulting in death and disability in aged people. It leads immediately to rapid energy failure, ATP depletion, and ionic imbalance, which increase extracellular ATP levels and accordingly activate P2X(7) receptors. These receptors are ATP-gated cation channels and widely distributed in nerve cells, especially in the immunocompetent cells of the brain. Currently, interest in the roles of P2X(7) receptors in ischemic brain injury is growing. In this review, we discuss recent research progress on the actions of P2X(7) receptors, their possible mechanisms in cerebral ischemia, and the potential therapeutic value of P2X(7) receptor antagonists which may provide a new target both for clinical and for research purposes.