title: P2X7 receptors in the nervous system.
abstract: P2X(7) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels, expressed as homo-oligomeric assemblies of individual subunits. They are widely distributed at immunocompetent cells of the central and peripheral nervous system and are believed to be primarily involved in host-defense reaction. However, a growing amount of evidence indicates that their signaling role in the brain is more widespread than previously anticipated. In this paper, we review the present knowledge on the structural and pharmacological features of the P2X(7) receptor, as well as its cell-type specific localization in the nervous system. Subsequently, the participation of P2X(7) receptors in distinct neuronal, astroglial and microglial functions are described. Finally, since they may play a prominent role in certain neurologic disorders, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury and sensory neuropathies, the pathological role and potential therapeutic exploitation of P2X(7) receptors are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1450 Budapest, Hungary. sperlagh@koki.hu
authors.forename: Beáta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sperlágh
authors.forename: E Sylvester
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Vizi
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wirkner
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Illes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7
chemical_list: C546468:P2RX7 protein, human; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7