Platelet Purinergic receptors in Inflammation:
After the advent in technological development with the various molecular biology techniques in place purinergic receptors were also identified in neutrophils apart from platelets [11]. In the studies conducted on this it was discovered that P2X1 in neutrophils causes activation of ROCK dependent MLC phosphorylation causing cytoskeletal deformation and also release of granules that help in neutrophil chemotaxis, Interestingly P2X1 deficiency also caused reduced NADPH oxidase activity [12]. In another study done in P2X1 knockout mice showed exaggerated inflammatory and ROS production when compared with controls after inflammatory ex vivo stimuli. This shows that they might have a role in negative feedback regulation of inflammation [13]. In agreement with this finding intraperitoneal injection of LPS shows increased MPO activity which is a marker of neutrophil activation [13]. This was also comparatively greater in P2X1 knockout mice to control mice. There was also an exaggerated drop in platelet and neutrophil count in case of P2X1 knockout mice when compared with controls. Again, lethality following LPS injection was also higher in the former compared to latter. These findings suggest that there could be a crucial role for P2X1 receptors in neutrophils that has to be further studied and explored. These might become drug targets for anti-inflammatory drugs in future with sustained good quality research.
Figure 2: