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Updated: May 7, 2026
16:36
Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 18, 2009
P2X receptor channels in endocrine glands
Stanko S Stojilkovic1, Hana Zemkova
1Section on Cellular Signaling, Program in Developmental Neuroscience, The Eunice Kennedy Shiver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Membrane Transport and Signaling
|September 28, 2013
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its byproducts act as extracellular messengers regulating the endocrine system via P2X receptors. These receptors, found in various endocrine tissues, influence hormone release by controlling calcium influx and cell electrical activity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones released into the bloodstream.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its derivatives (ADP, adenosine) function as extracellular signaling molecules.
- Purinergic receptors, particularly P2X receptors, are involved in cellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expression and roles of P2X receptors in endocrine tissues.
- To understand how P2X receptors contribute to endocrine system regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of P2X receptor expression and function in endocrine tissues.
- Analysis of P2X receptor subunit expression (P2X1-P2X7) in mammalian endocrine cells.
- Examination of P2X receptor-mediated effects on calcium influx and cell excitability.
Main Results:
- P2X receptor subunits are expressed in diverse endocrine tissues, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, gonads, and placenta.
- Functional P2X receptors facilitate calcium influx and membrane depolarization in both excitable and non-excitable endocrine cells.
- These actions lead to calcium transients and stimulate hormone release.
Conclusions:
- P2X receptors are integral components of endocrine cell signaling.
- ATP acting through P2X receptors amplifies and synchronizes hormone secretion from endocrine cells.
- This highlights a crucial purinergic signaling pathway in endocrine regulation.
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