Extracellular ATP induces retinal photoreceptor apoptosis through activation of purinoceptors in rodents

We have previously demonstrated that photoreceptors express P2X 7 purinoceptors. These excitatory receptors are activated by extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and have been implicated in neurodegeneration in other parts of the central nervous system (CNS). In this study we examined whether extracellular ATP could contribute to photoreceptor degeneration in rodents through excessive activation of P2 purinoceptors. Intravitreal...