On the role of P2X7 receptors in dopamine nerve cell degeneration in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease: studies with the P2X7 receptor antagonist A-438079

The role of the ATP-gated receptor, P2X7, has been evaluated in the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model of Parkinson’s disease using the P2X7 competitive antagonist A-438079. Nigral P2X7 immunoreactivity was mainly located in microglia but also in astroglia. A-438079 partially but significantly prevented the 6-OHDA-induced depletion of striatal DA stores. However, this was not associated with a reduction of DA cell loss. Blockade of P2X7 receptors may represent a novel protective strategy for striatal DA terminals in Parkinson’s disease and warrants further future investigation.