Involvement of P2X7 receptors in retinal ganglion cell death after optic nerve crush injury in rats

► RGC survival in primary culture was examined after treatment with P2X7 antagonists and agonists. ► P2X7 antagonists preserved RGCs in primary culture although P2X7 agonists decreased them. ► P2X7 antagonists were injected into vitreous body after optic nerve crush (ONC) injuries in rats. ► RGCs were preserved when P2X7 antagonists were applied after ONC injury. ► Activation of P2X7 receptor may be involved in RGC death induced by ONC injury.