Role of Pannexin-1-P2X7R signaling on cell death and pro-inflammatory mediator expression induced by toxins in enteric glia.

( produces toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB), both associated with intestinal damage and diarrhea. Pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels allows the passage of messenger molecules, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which in turn activate the P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) that regulate inflammation and cell death in inflammatory bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of infection (CDI) in the expression of Panx1 and P2X7R in intestinal tissues of mice, as well as their role in cell death and expression induced by TcdA and TcdB in enteric glial cells (EGCs).