Functions of Purinergic Receptors

Purinergic receptors, also known as purinoceptors, are a family of plasma membrane molecules found in many mammalian tissues. Purinergic receptors are transmembrane receptors consisting of two main categories. P1 receptors are stimulated by adenosine. Those that respond to extracellular nucleotides (ATP, ADP, UTP and UDP) are P2 receptors. The P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels. The P1 and P2Y receptors are bound to the G protein. Both of these metabotropic receptors are distinguished by taking into account their reactivity to specific activators. P1 and P2Y receptors are widely distributed in the brain, heart, kidneys and adipose tissue.