In order to use endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as a therapeutic and imaging probe to overcome antiangiogenic resistance for
gliomas, how to enhance proliferation and targeting ability of transplanted EPCs is a high priority. Here, we confirmed, for the first time, the expression of P2X7 receptors in rat spleen-derived EPCs. Activation of P2X7 receptors in EPCs by
BzATP promoted cells proliferation and migration, rather than apoptosis. In vivo, the homing of transplanted EPCs after long-term suppression of P2X7 receptors by persistent BBG stimulation was evaluated by MRI, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Compared to the group without BBG treatment, less transplanted EPCs homed to
gliomas in the group with BBG treatment, especially integrated into the vessels containing
tumor-derived endothelial cells in
gliomas. Moreover, western blot showed that CXCL1 expression was downregulated in
gliomas with BBG treatment, which meant P2X7 receptors suppression inhibited the homing of EPCs to
gliomas through down-regulation of CXCLl expression. Further, effects of P2X7 receptors on C6
glioma cells or
gliomas were evaluated at the same dose of
BzATP or BBG used in EPCs experiments in vitro and in vivo. MTT assay and MRI revealed that P2X7 receptors exerted no significant promoting effect on C6
glioma cells proliferation,
gliomas growth and angiogenesis. Taken together, our findings imply the possibility of promoting proliferation and targeting ability of transplanted EPCs to brain
gliomas in vivo through P2X7 receptors, which may provide new perspectives on application of EPCs as a therapeutic and imaging probe to overcome antiangiogenic resistance for
gliomas.