Novel data point to a broader mechanism of action of oxidized ATP: the P2X 7 receptor is not the only target

Oxidized ATP (oATP) is a Schiff‐base‐forming reagent that has been used for some years as an antagonist at the P2X 7 receptor (P2X 7 R). Preincubation of mononuclear phagocytes with this inhibitor leads to attenuation of several proinflammatory responses triggered by extracellular ATP as well as a few non‐nucleotide agonists. Novel data show that oATP reduces NF κ B activation and IL‐8 release in cells lacking P2X 7 R, thus suggesting that some anti‐inflammatory effects of oATP may not be due to blockade of the P2X 7 R. This effect of oATP resembles the action of other natural or synthetic Schiff‐base‐forming reagents with immunomodulatory activity. British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 140 , 441–443. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705469