Role of P2X7 receptors in the development of diabetic retinopathy

Figure 3 Models of the physiological and pathobiological effects of adenosine 5’-triphosphate in the retinal microvasculature. A: Putative mechanisms regulating purinergic vasotoxicity; B: Putative mechanisms by which extracellular adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) causes pericyte Ca²⁺ levels to rise and thereby the contraction of these mural cells and the constriction of adjacent lumens. From Sugiyama et al[33].