title: Unresolved issues and controversies in purinergic signalling.
abstract: Some areas of current interest in the rapidly expanding purinergic signalling field that are controversial or are unresolved are highlighted in this review. These include the mechanisms underlying: ATP transport across cell and vesicle membranes; the interaction of multiple receptors for purines and pyrimidines on single cells; the blocking effect of antagonists to P2X(4) and P2X(7) receptors expressed by microglial cells in neuropathic and inflammatory pain; and the complex actions mediated by P2X(7) receptors. Some desirable areas for further research are also discussed including: comparative studies of the evolution of purinergic signalling; studies of purinergic signalling in development and regeneration, including the involvement of stem cells; behavioural studies; and therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK. g.burnstock@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burnstock
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate