P2X7 receptor antagonism ameliorates renal dysfunction in a rat model of sepsis

Sepsis is a major clinical problem associated with significant organ dysfunction and high mortality. The ATP-sensitive P2X7receptor activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and is a key component of the innate immune system. We used a fluid-resuscitated rat model of fecal peritonitis and acute kidney injury (AKI) to investigate the contribution of this purinergic receptor to renal dysfunction in sepsis. Six and 24 h time-points were chosen to represent early and established sepsis, respectively. A selective P2X7receptor antagonist (A-438079) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was infused 2 h following induction of sepsis. Compared with sham-operated animals, septic animals had significant increases in heart rate (-1(-4 to 8)% vs. 21(12-26)%; P = 0.003), fever (37.4(37.2-37.6)°C vs. 38.6(38.2-39.0)°C; P = 0.0009), and falls in serum albumin (29(27-30)g/L vs. 26(24-28); P = 0.0242). Serum IL-1β (0(0-10)(pg/mL) vs. 1671(1445-33778)(pg/mL); P < 0.001) and renal IL-1β (86(50-102)pg/mg protein vs. 200 (147-248)pg/mg protein; P = 0.0031) were significantly elevated in septic compared with sham-operated animals at 6 h. Serum creatinine was elevated in septic animals compared with sham-operated animals at 24 h (23(22-25) μmol/L vs. 28 (25-30)μmol/L; P = 0.0321). Renal IL-1β levels were significantly lower in A-438079-treated animals compared with untreated animals at 6 h (70(55-128)pg/mg protein vs. 200(147-248)pg/mg protein; P = 0.021). At 24 h, compared with untreated animals, A-438079-treated animals had more rapid resolution of tachycardia (22(13-36)% vs. -1(-6 to 7)%; P = 0.019) and fever (39.0(38.6-39.1)°C vs. 38.2(37.6-38.7)°C; P < 0.024), higher serum albumin (23(21-25)g/L vs. (27(25-28)g/L); P = 0.006), lower arterial lactate (3.2(2.5-4.3)mmol/L vs. 1.4(0.9-1.8)mmol/L; P = 0.037), and lower serum creatinine concentrations (28(25-30)μmol/L vs. 22(17-27)μmol/L; P = 0.019). P2X7A treatment ameliorates the systemic inflammatory response and renal dysfunction in this clinically relevant model of sepsis-related AKI.