No abstract

The purinergic receptor P2Y6 is expressed in immune cells, including the microglia that are implicated in neurological disorders. Its ligand, UDP, is a signaling molecule that can serve as an “find-me” signal when released in significant quantities by damaged/dying cells. The binding of UDP by P2Y6R leads to the activation of different biochemical pathways, depending on the disease context and the pathological environment. Generally, P2Y6R stimulates phagocytosis. However, whether or not phagocytosis coincides with cell activation or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines needs further investigation. The current review aims to discuss the various functions of P2Y6R in some CNS disorders. We present evidence that P2Y6R may have a detrimental or beneficial role in the nervous system, in the context of neurological pathologies, such as ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, radiation-induced brain injury, and neuropathic pain.

A three-and-a-half year-old female Rahmani ewe was presented suffering from nervous symptoms. Grossly, a large cyst measuring 7 × 4 cm and weighing 145 g occupied the dilated left lateral ventricle. The overlying cerebral tissue was thin, atrophied and congested. It tore easily, and the cyst was evacuated spontaneously. Microscopically, liquefactive necrosis surrounded by aggregations of macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, fibroblasts and giant cells was predominantly observed. Hyperplasia and severe necrosis of the ependymal cell lining of the lateral ventricle were observed. Extensive subependymal inflammatory cell infiltrations, accompanied by neovascularization and fibroblastic proliferation, were seen. Based on the gross and histopathological lesions and cyst morphology and location, the cyst was diagnosed as Coenurus cerebralis. This report describes a rare case of coenurus cyst in the left lateral cerebral ventricle of a ewe and the associated lesion.