Possible neuroprotective role of P2X2 in the retina of diabetic rats

GALLO, JUAN E.; SALICA, JUAN P.; MANCINI, JORGE E.; LOPEZ, EMILIANO S.; ORTIZ, GUSTAVO; CROXATTO, J. OSCAR; POTILINSTKI, CONSTANZA

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

BioMed Central

Año: 2018 vol. 10

1758-5996

BackgroundPurinergic receptors are expressed in different tissues including the retina. These receptors are involved in processes like cell growth, proliferation, activation and survival. ATP is the major activator of P2 receptors. In diabetes, there is a constant ATP production and this rise of ATP leads to a persistent activation of purinergic receptors. Antagonists of these receptors are used to evaluate their inhibition effects. Recently, the P2X2 has been reported to have a neuroprotective role.MethodsWe carried out a study in groups of diabetic and non-diabetic rats (N = 5) treated with intraperitoneal injections of PPADS, at 9 and 24 weeks of diabetes. Control group received only the buffer. Animals were euthanized at 34 weeks of diabetes or at a matching age. Rat retinas were analyzed with immunohistochemistry and western blot using antibodies against GFAP, P2X2, P2Y2 and VEGF-A.ResultsDiabetic animals treated with PPADS disclosed a much more extended staining of VEGF-A than diabetics without treatment. A lower protein expression of VEGF-A was found at the retina of diabetic animals without treatment of purinergic antagonists compared to diabetics with the antagonist treatment. Inhibition of P2X2 receptor by PPADS decreases cell death in the diabetic rat retina.ConclusionResults might be useful for better understanding the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, P2X2, PPADS, Retina, VEGF-A