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P2X7 Receptors in Oligodendrocytes: A Novel Target for Neuroprotection

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Abstract

Intense ATP signaling through P2X7 purinergic receptors can lead to excitotoxicity, a feature which initiates neuronal demise in experimental paradigms relevant to ischemia and to traumatic injury. In addition, recent data provide evidence that oligodendrocytes also express P2X7 receptors that are activated under experimental pathological conditions involving white matter demise. Thus, this receptor subtype is a promising target for the development of new drugs to prevent white matter damage in acute and chronic diseases.

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Acknowledgments

Research in my laboratory is supported by CIBERNED, Universidad del País Vasco, Gobierno Vasco, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia y Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo. Support by the European Leukodistrophy Association is also gratefully acknowledge.

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  1. CIBERNED, Departamento de Neurociencias, Universidad del País Vasco, 48940-Leioa, and Neurotek-UPV/EHU, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48170, Zamudio, Spain

    Carlos Matute

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Correspondence to Carlos Matute.

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Matute, C. P2X7 Receptors in Oligodendrocytes: A Novel Target for Neuroprotection. Mol Neurobiol 38, 123–128 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-008-8028-x

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