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ATP and acetylcholine, equal brethren.

Herbert Zimmermann1

  • 1Biocenter, J.W. Goethe-University, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. h.zimmermann@bio.uni-frankfurt.de

Neurochemistry International
|November 22, 2007
PubMed
Summary
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Acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) function as neurotransmitters with similar storage, release, and signaling mechanisms. Both molecules play roles in neural and non-neural tissues, with malfunctions linked to various pathologies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Cellular Signaling

Background:

  • Acetylcholine (ACh) was the first identified neurotransmitter, while adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a more recently recognized small molecule neurotransmitter.
  • The signaling role of extracellular ATP in neural and non-neural tissues has faced historical reluctance in acceptance.

Observation:

  • This commentary contrasts the molecular and functional aspects of cholinergic and purinergic (ATP) signaling pathways.
  • Key areas of comparison include discovery, tissue distribution, synthesis, uptake, storage, receptors, release, extracellular hydrolysis, and pathophysiological significance.

Findings:

  • ATP shares striking similarities with ACh, including uptake and storage in synaptic vesicles, Ca(2+)-dependent release, action on ligand-gated and metabotropic receptors, and extracellular hydrolysis.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Both ACh and ATP are co-stored and co-released from various nerve terminals, including glutamatergic and GABAergic.
  • Both molecules fulfill established criteria for neurotransmitters.

    • Implications:

    • ATP and ACh exhibit both distinct differences and remarkable similarities in their neurotransmitter functions.
    • Beyond neural roles, both ACh and ATP have diverse non-neural functions in non-innervated tissues.
    • Dysfunctions in cholinergic systems are linked to pathologies, and emerging evidence highlights a purinergic component in numerous pathological conditions.