Ainhoa Sanchez

University of Valencia | UV · Department of Pharmacology

Background and purpose: Abacavir (ABC) - antiretroviral drug used in HIV-therapy and associated with myocardial infarction - promotes thrombosis through purinergic P2X7R. The role of platelets as pro-thrombotic cells is acknowledged while that of neutrophils - due to their secretory capacity - is gaining recognition. This study analyses the role o...

The cardiovascular toxicity of Abacavir is related to its purinergic structure. Purinergic P2X7-receptors (P2X7R), characterized by activation by high concentrations of ATP and with high plasticity, seem implicated. We appraise the nature of the interplay between Abacavir and P2X7R in generating vascular inflammation. The effects of Abacavir on leu...

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) possesses a unique structure associated to an as yet not fully understood mechanism of action that facilitates cell permeability to large ionic molecules through the receptor itself and/or nearby membrane proteins. High extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels—inexistent in physiological conditions—are required fo...

Objective and methods: The effects of abacavir were evaluated in a validated model of arterial thrombosis. The role of ATP-P2X7-receptors and the actions of two vascular-damaging agents (diclofenac or rofecoxib) and other NRTIs were also analysed. Results: Abacavir dose-dependently promoted thrombus formation. This effect was reversed by a P2X7-...