Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
04:03
Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians
Published on: September 27, 2024
ATP and the pathogenesis of COPD
Esmaeil Mortaz1, Gert Folkerts, Frans P Nijkamp
1Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.mortaz@uu.nl
European Journal of Pharmacology
|April 29, 2010
Summary
Extracellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) accumulation in airways signals danger, activating P2 receptors. Understanding its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may reveal new anti-inflammatory therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Signaling
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Extracellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) acts as a danger signal, alerting the immune system to tissue damage.
- Purinergic signaling via P2 nucleotide receptors (P2X and P2Y) is implicated in chronic airway inflammation.
- ATP levels are elevated in the airways of asthma and COPD patients, but its specific role in COPD pathogenesis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of ATP and P2 receptor roles in lung emphysema and COPD pathogenesis.
- To highlight the involvement of neutrophils in intercellular communication and inflammasome activation in COPD.
- To explore the link between purinergic signaling and inflammasome pathways for potential therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and perspective on existing research.
- Focus on neutrophils as mediators between epithelial cells and macrophages.
- Examination of inflammasome pathway activation in the context of purinergic signaling.
Main Results:
- Extracellular ATP and P2 receptor activation are significant in chronic airway inflammation.
- Neutrophils play a key role in ATP-mediated intercellular communication in COPD.
- Purinergic signaling contributes to inflammasome activation, a hallmark of COPD.
Conclusions:
- Further research into the purinergic signaling-inflammasome axis is crucial for understanding COPD.
- Identifying therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway could lead to novel treatments for COPD inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.