Control of enteric neuromuscular functions by purinergic P2X7 receptors in normal rat distal colon and experimental bowel inflammation

Introduction: Purinergic signalling plays a pivotal role in the physiological regulation of several enteric functions, as well as in the modulation of immune/inflammatory cell activity. Recent evidence has shown an active involvement of the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in the fine tuning of immune functions, as well as its critical role in driving enteric neuron apoptosis under intestinal inflammation. However, the participation of this receptor pathway in the regulation of enteric neuromuscular functions remains undetermined. Aims: This study investigated the role of P2X7Rs in the control of colonic motility, both under normal conditions and in the presence of experimental colitis. Met…