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Purinergic signalling in the nervous system: an overview
Maria P Abbracchio1, Geoffrey Burnstock, Alexei Verkhratsky
1Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, via Balzaretti 9, University of Milan, 20133-Milan, Italy.
Trends in Neurosciences
|November 15, 2008
Summary
Purinergic receptors are abundant signaling molecules involved in neuron-glial communication. Their roles in various diseases suggest potential for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Purinergic receptors are ancient and abundant, playing crucial roles in biological systems.
- Purinergic signaling in the nervous system is a rapidly advancing field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review purinergic co-transmission, ATP metabolism, and receptor subtypes.
- To explore the role of purines and pyrimidines in neuron-glial communication and interactions with other systems.
- To highlight the involvement of purinergic signaling in various pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on purinergic signaling mechanisms.
- Analysis of purinergic receptor subtypes (ion channels and GPCRs).
- Examination of purine and pyrimidine roles in neuron-glial and inter-system communication.
Main Results:
- Purinergic signaling involves co-transmission, specific ATP release/breakdown pathways, and diverse receptor subtypes.
- Purines and pyrimidines are key mediators in neuron-glial communication and interact with other neurotransmitter systems.
- Purinergic signaling is implicated in pain, trauma, ischemia, epilepsy, migraine, psychiatric disorders, and addiction.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling is a complex system with broad physiological and pathological relevance.
- Understanding purinergic mechanisms offers opportunities for developing novel therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric conditions.
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