Pathophysiology and therapeutic potential of purinergic signaling.
The concept of a purinergic signaling system, using purine nucleotides and nucleosides as extracellular messengers, was first proposed over 30 years ago. After a brief introduction and update of purinoceptor subtypes, this article focuses on the diverse pathophysiological roles of purines and pyrimidines as signaling molecules. These molecules mediate short-term (acute) signaling functions in neurotransmission, mechanosensory transduction, secretion and vasodilatation, and long-term (chronic) signaling functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death involved in development and regeneration. Plasticity of purinoceptor expression in pathological conditions is frequently observed, including an increase in the purinergic component of autonomic cotransmission. Recent advances in therapies using purinergic-related drugs in a wide range of pathological conditions will be addressed with speculation on future developments in the field.
Burnstock
Geoffrey
G
Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London NW3 2PF, UK. g.burnstock@ucl.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D004703:Endocrine System; D052776:Female Urogenital Diseases; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D007249:Inflammation; D052801:Male Urogenital Diseases; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases; D009369:Neoplasms; D009422:Nervous System Diseases; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000502:physiology*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases; D015398:Signal Transduction; D012867:Skin
D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2