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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
12:00
Patch Clamp Recordings on Intact Dorsal Root Ganglia from Adult Rats
Published on: September 29, 2016
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system. Purinergic nerves release ATP, which activates distinct P1 and P2 purinergic receptors, mediating various physiological responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system includes non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic signaling pathways.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is recognized as a key neurotransmitter in these pathways, termed 'purinergic' signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present evidence supporting ATP as a neurotransmitter.
- To establish criteria for distinguishing between P1 and P2 purinergic receptors.
Main Methods:
- Investigated ATP synthesis, storage, and release from stimulated nerves.
- Assessed the effects of exogenously applied ATP and nerve stimulation.
- Examined drug effects on ATP responses.
- Analyzed agonist potencies, antagonist actions, cAMP levels, and prostaglandin synthesis to differentiate receptor subtypes.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms ATP release from stimulated purinergic nerves.
- Four criteria differentiate P1 and P2 purinergic receptors based on agonist/antagonist profiles and downstream signaling.
- P1 receptors are sensitive to adenosine and linked to cAMP changes.
- P2 receptors are sensitive to ATP and linked to prostaglandin synthesis.
Conclusions:
- ATP is a confirmed neurotransmitter in the autonomic nervous system.
- P1 and P2 purinergic receptors have distinct pharmacological and functional characteristics.
- P2 receptors mediate smooth muscle responses to purinergic nerve activity, while P1 receptors modulate presynaptic neurotransmission.
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