title: Overview. Purinergic mechanisms.
abstract: An overview of the history of studies of the biological actions of extracellular ATP is presented. The basis of the subdivision of receptors for purines into P1-purinoceptors for adenosine and P2-purinoceptors for ATP and ADP are considered, as well as the recent proposal for subdivision of the ATP receptors into P2X-, P2Y-, P2Z-, and P2T- purinoceptor subtypes. These purinoceptor subtypes are discussed with respect to their transduction mechanisms, their distribution, and their physiological roles, including their roles in cotransmission and neuromodulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, England.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burnstock
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate