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: