Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of P2X7 receptor on HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 (gp120)-induced injury in BV2 microglial cells, and research the protective effect of naringin on gp120-induced injury mediated by P2X7 receptor in BV2 microglial cells. Methods BV2 microglial cell injury model was established by gp120 treatment; The damage degree of BV2 microglial cells and the protective effect of naringin were measured by MTS colorimetry. The expression changes of P2X7 receptors were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results Compared with Ctrl group, the cell survival rate of gp120 group decreased significantly after 24-h treatment (P < 0.01). The cell survival rate of gp120 + naringin group increased compared with gp120 group (P < 0.01), while there was no difference compared with gp120 + BBG group (P > 0.05). The results of RT-PCR and Western blot showed that the expression of P2X7 mRNA and protein in gp120 group was increased significantly compared with Ctrl group (P < 0.01), and it was decreased in gp120 + naringin group compared with gp120 group (P < 0.01). Conclusions P2X7 receptor involved in gp120-induced injury in BV2 microglial cells, and naringin may play a protective effect on gp120-induced injury by inhibiting the up-regulation of P2X7 receptor expression.