The role of purinergic receptors in neural repair and regeneration after spinal cord injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.363186 · Published: December 21, 2022

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous dysfunction. Neural repair and regeneration are important for improving neurological function after SCI. Purines and their receptors, including different types of purinergic receptors, participate in the transmission of information in the peripheral and central nervous systems, regulate the physiological activities of nerve cells and promote the regeneration of the nervous system. Following SCI, injured cells release vast amounts of ATP and the expression levels of multiple purinergic receptors undergo alterations. ATP and its metabolites act on purinergic receptors and can directly mediate the inflammatory response and apoptosis after SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Activation of adenosine A1 and A3 receptors can exert neuroprotective effects after CNS injury by inhibiting glutamate release and reducing Ca2+ accumulation.
2
P2X7 receptor activation after SCI promotes Ca2+ influx and cell death, while its inhibition improves functional recovery and reduces apoptosis.
3
P2Y2 receptor inhibition can reduce apoptosis induced by SCI by affecting the inflammatory response, particularly by reducing levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.

Research Summary

This article reviews research on the mechanistic roles of purinergic receptors in spinal cord injury, highlighting the potential role of purinergic receptors as interventional targets for neural repair and regeneration after spinal cord injury. Purinergic receptors play a crucial role in neural repair and regeneration after SCI. A variety of purinergic P1 and P2 receptors are expressed in neurons and glial cells of the spinal cord. Neural repair and regeneration can be achieved in SCI through interventions that target purinergic receptors.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Purinergic receptors, particularly P2X7, P2Y12, and adenosine A1 receptors, are identified as potential drug targets for SCI treatment.

Anti-inflammatory Strategies

Targeting purinergic receptors can help modulate the inflammatory response after SCI, reducing secondary damage and promoting neural repair.

Stem Cell Mobilization

Understanding the role of purinergic receptors in neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation may lead to strategies for enhancing endogenous repair mechanisms.

Study Limitations

1
The pathophysiological mechanisms of neural repair and regeneration after SCI are highly complex.
2
The repair approaches that can be implemented clinically remain highly limited.
3
Future research should target drug discovery and regulatory mechanisms related to the P2X7 receptor, P2Y12 receptor and adenosine A1 receptor in SCI.

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