P2X receptors in neuroglia.

Different types of ionotropic P2X purinoceptors are expressed in all major types of neuroglia, where they mediate a variety of physiological and pathological signaling. Cortical astrocytes express specific P2X1/5 heteromeric receptors that are activated by ongoing synaptic transmission and can trigger fast local signaling through elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and Na+ concentrations. Oligodendrocytes express several types of P2X receptors that may control their development and mediate axonal-glial interactions. In microglia, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors regulate numerous events associated with microglial activation, motility, and release of proinflammatory factors.