Purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated cationic channel. It plays an important role in central nervous system diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and Parkinson's disease, and is closely related to neuroinflammatory reactions associated with disease progression. In the present study, we evaluated the role of P2X7R in neuroinflammation and brain edema after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We also investigated the related mechanisms and potential therapeutic drugs.

In the in vivo experiments, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, TBI, TBI + A438079, or TBI + MCC950. The TBI model was constructed via controlled cortical impact, and mice then received saline, A438079, or MCC950 injections. Morphological damage to the brains of mice was observed by Nissl staining. Morphological and quantitative changes in microglia as well as P2X7R expression were observed via immunofluorescence. The water content of brain tissue was evaluated using the brain dry/wet weight ratio. In the in vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharides were used to stimulate murine microglial BV2 cells into an inflammatory activation state. The expression of P2X7R, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in BV2 cells was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. Moreover, an indirect co-culture technique was used to evaluate the effects of the neuroinflammatory model of BV2 cells on tight junction protein expression in mouse brain microvascular endothelial bEnd.3 cells.

Levels of P2X7R, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, NF-κB, and NLRP3 inflammasomes were significantly higher in the TBI group than in the Sham group. TBI also increased the brain edema degree and tight junction protein expression levels. By targeting P2X7R (with A438079) or NLRP3 (with MCC950), we were able to inhibit neuroinflammation and alleviate brain edema.

Targeting P2X7R may help to reduce neuroinflammation and brain edema secondary to acute TBI by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. P2X7R may be an innovative therapeutic target in TBI.