P2X7 receptor inhibition prevents atrial fibrillation in rodent models of depression

Aims Depression, the most prevalent psychiatric disorder, is associated with the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation (AF). P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) activation participates in the development of depression, but little attention has been given to its role in AF. This study was to investigate the effects of P2X7R on AF in depression models. Methods and results Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were carried out to induce depression in rodents. Behavioural assessments, atrial electrophysiological parameters, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, western blot, and histology were performed. Atrial fibrillation inducibility was increased in both LPS- and CUS-induced depression, along with the up-regulation of P2X7R in atria. CUS facilitated atrial fibrosis. CUS reduced heart rate variability (HRV) and increased the expression of TH and GAP43, representing autonomic dysfunction. Down-regulation of Nav1.5, Cav1.2, Kv1.5, Kv4.3, Cx40, and Cx43 in CUS indicated the abnormalities in ion channels. In addition, the expression levels of TLR4, P65, P-P65, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1 beta were elevated in depression models. Pharmacological inhibitor (Brilliant Blue G, BBG) or genetic deficiency of P2X7R significantly mitigated depressive-like behaviours; ameliorated electrophysiological deterioration and autonomic dysfunction; improved ion channel expression and atrial fibrosis; and prevented atrial NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathophysiological process of AF in depression models. Conclusion LPS or CUS induces AF and promotes P2X7R-dependent activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, whereas pharmacological P2X7R inhibition or P2X7R genetic deficiency prevents atrial remodelling without interrupting normal atrial physiological functions. Our results point to P2X7R as an important factor in the pathology of AF in depression.