Accumulating findings indicate that nucleotides play an important role in microglia through P2 purinoceptors. P2 purinoceptors are divided into two families, ionotropic receptors (P2X) and metabotropic receptors (P2Y). P2X receptors (7 types; P2X1 – P2X7) contain intrinsic pores that open by binding with ATP. P2Y receptors (8 types; P2Y1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14) are activated by nucleotides and couple to intracellular second-messenger systems through heteromeric G-proteins. Nucleotides are released or leaked from non-excitable cells as well as neurons in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Microglia express many types of P2 purinoceptors and are known as resident macrophages in the CNS. ATP and other nucleotides work as ‘warning molecules’ especially through activating microglia in pathophysiological conditions. Microglia play a key role in neuropathic pain, chemotaxis and phagocytosis through nucleotide-evoked activation of P2X4, P2Y12 and P2Y6 receptors, respectively. These findings indicate that extracellular nucleotides are important players in the central stage of microglial function.
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Similar content being viewed by others Explore related subjectsDiscover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. Author information Authors and AffiliationsDepartment of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi, Fukuoka, 812–8582, Japan
K. Inoue
Correspondence to K. Inoue.
Additional informationReceived 19 April 2008; received after revision 20 May 2008; accepted 23 May 2008
About this article Cite this articleInoue, K. Purinergic systems in microglia. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 65, 3074–3080 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-008-8210-3
Published: 20 June 2008
Issue Date: October 2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-008-8210-3
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