title: P2X(7) receptors: properties and relevance to CNS function.
abstract: Among seven members of P2X ionotropic receptors activated by extracellular ATP, the P2X(7) subtype is unique in that it can function as a cation channel, a nonselective pore, or even a signaling complex coupled with multiple downstream components. Several roles of P2X(7) receptors have been described in CNS cells in the past decade, including release of cytokines and transmitters, modulation of presynaptic transmitter release, and activation of multiple signaling pathways. The finding that P2X(7) pores may directly mediate efflux of cytosolic glutamate, GABA, and ATP in glial cells is particularly interesting, as it provides a novel mechanism of glial transmitter release that may play important roles not only in physiological intercellular communication but also in pathological neural injury.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
authors.forename: Shumin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.affiliation: Research Service, Miami VA Medical Center, Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Neuroscience Program, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
authors.forename: Joseph T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Neary
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; C546468:P2RX7 protein, human; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058486:Receptors, Purinergic P2X7; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate