title: Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease.
abstract: There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
authors.affiliation: Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, 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: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011983:Receptors, Purinergic / Q000502:physiology*; D060728:Reproductive Health; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D014565:Urogenital Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000502:physiology; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011983:Receptors, Purinergic