[From energetics to neurotransmission: adenosine triphosphate and its receptors].
OBJECTIVE
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a substance that has stood out for being an energy donor, but today we know that it also has other functions. By activating a large variety of receptors that are widely distributed throughout the nervous system, ATP plays a role in neurotransmission, neuromodulation, apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation, pain, and so forth.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to carry out a review of ATP receptors, their contribution to the correct functioning of neuronal circuits, and their involvement in the development of certain diseases.


METHODS
The issue is approached from different perspectives, such as the structure of ATP, its metabolism through ecto-ATPases and their main metabolite, adenosine, in addition to a detailed description of each of the purinergic receptors whose existence has been internationally accepted. We also examine how ATP and its receptors are involved in the structures of the nervous system, and more especially those that correspond to the sensory systems.


CONCLUSIONS
The fact that purinoceptors are so widely distributed makes them worthy of a detailed examination. This new family of receptors promises to be a new diagnostic and therapeutic tool that enables us to approach certain aspects of the neurosciences from a new angle, by taking into account a new protagonist, ATP, in the generation of events that upset health.
Galindo
F
F
Insituto de Fisología, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72001 Puebla, México.
Flores
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A
D000241:Adenosine / Q000502:physiology; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000502:physiology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D051381:Rats; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1 / Q000502:physiology; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D000241:Adenosine