Related Experiment Videos
Purinergic signalling
1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF. g.burnstock@ucl.ac.uk
British Journal of Pharmacology
|January 13, 2006
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a key purinergic neurotransmitter in nerves, influencing gut and bladder functions. Its diverse roles extend to cell signaling, development, and disease processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Early research hinted at extracellular purine actions.
- The 1972 discovery of ATP as a purinergic neurotransmitter in non-neuronal, non-cholinergic nerves faced initial skepticism.
- Significant advancements occurred in the 1990s with the cloning of purine receptors.
Observation:
- Four P1 receptor subtypes and fifteen P2 receptor subtypes (seven P2X ionotropic, eight P2Y metabotropic) are now identified.
- Mechanisms of ATP release and breakdown are critical areas of study.
- Purines and pyrimidines are integral to both neuronal and non-neuronal cell activities.
Findings:
- ATP mediates fast signaling in secretion, platelet aggregation, vasodilation, and pain perception.
- It functions as a cotransmitter and neuromodulator across the nervous system.
- Slow (trophic) purinergic signaling impacts cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and cell death.
Implications:
- Purinergic signaling is crucial in embryological development and wound healing.
- It plays a role in conditions like restenosis, atherosclerosis, and ischemia.
- Purinergic signaling is implicated in epithelial cell turnover, inflammation, neuroprotection, and cancer development.