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

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.

• 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.