AIM: To investigate the effect of P2X7 on hypoxia-induced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in mice. METHODS: According to the different factors, retinal ganglion cells of the mouse were randomly divided into four groups: control group(G1), hypoxia group(G2), hypoxia + agonist(BzATP)group(G3), hypoxia + antagonistic agent(BBG)group(G4). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method was used to detect the survival rate of cells; the rate of cell apoptosis was determined by Annxin V/PI staining flow cytometry; Western Blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expressrion levels of cleave-caspase-3 and cleave-PARP. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the results significantly indicated the survival rate of cells decreased and the rate of apoptosis increased treated with hypoxia. In addition, the protein levels of cleave-caspase-3 and cleave-PARP were remarkably higher than the control group. BzATP markedly augmented the apoptosis induced by hypoxia, and BBG pretreatment observably decreased the hypoxia-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION: P2X7 purinoceptor could be activated by hypoxia, and participate in the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells.
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