方法：利用显微镜下观察结合TUNEL计数法分别测定P2X₇激动剂BzATP和拮抗剂OxATP对体外培养的正常视网膜毛细血管周细胞以及糖尿病大鼠视网膜毛细血管周细胞存活率的影响。

结果：P2X₇受体激动后可介导视网膜毛细血管周细胞死亡，糖尿病大鼠视网膜毛细血管周细胞较正常视网膜毛细血管周细胞，在同等激动剂浓度下或在同样的时间点，能引起更多的细胞凋亡。而拮抗剂OxATP可以明显减轻BzATP对视网膜毛细血管周细胞的毒性作用，提高其存活率。

结论：P2X₇受体活性对视网膜毛细血管周细胞凋亡有一定调控作用。

METHODS: The TUNEL test was applied to observe the survival rate of normal retinal capillary pericytes and diabetic retinal capillary pericytes which were affected by P2X₇ agonist BzATP and antagonist OxATP in microscopy.

RESULTS: Activation of P2X₇ receptors caused occurence of apoptosis in retinal capillary pericytes. Compared with normal retinal capillary pericytes, when they were at the same concentration or time, the diabetic retinal capillary pericytes caused much more apoptosis than normal retinal capillary pericytes. The antagonist OxATP could significantly reduce the toxic effects activated by BzATP, and then increased the livability of retinal capillary pericytes.

CONCLUSION:The activity of P2X₇ receptor plays a regulatory role on RPC apoptosis.