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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Modeling Neuronal Death and Degeneration in Mouse Primary Cerebellar Granule Neurons
Published on: November 6, 2017
Neurotrophic effects of extracellular guanosine
Michel Rathbone1, Lara Pilutti, Francesco Caciagli
1Department of Medicine-Neurology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. mrathbon@mcmaster.ca
Abstract:
Central nervous system (CNS) astrocytes release guanosine extracellularly, that exerts trophic effects. In CNS, extracellular guanosine (GUO) stimulates mitosis, synthesis of trophic factors, and cell differentiation, including neuritogenesis, is neuroprotective, and reduces apoptosis due to several stimuli. Specific receptor-like binding sites for eGUO in the nervous system may mediate its effects through both MAP kinase and PI3-kinase signalling pathways. Extracellular guanine (eGUA) also exerts several effects; the trophic effects of eGUO are likely regulated by conversion of eGUO to eGUA by a membrane located purine nucleoside phosphorylase (ecto-PNP) and by conversion of eGUA to xanthine by guanine deaminase.
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