Progress in the studies of P_2 purinoceptors / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

P 2 purinoceptors were first subdivided into P 2X and P 2Y subtypes, and later this classification was broadened to include P 2T , P 2Z and P 2D subtypes. In the 1990s, a new kind of receptors was found, which respond to UTP, ATP and ATP?S, but not to 2 MeSATP or ?,? MeATP, this finding led to the definition of the so called “P 2U ” or “nucleotide” receptor. Most recent evidence demonstrated the existence of a pyrimidine receptor responding to UTP but not to ATP. For this case, IUPHAR (International Union of Pharmacology) committee recommended that P 2 purinoceptors be subdivided into P2X and P2Y subtypes, any subtypes of intrinsic ion channel be termed P2Xn, and any subtypes of G protein coupled receptor be termed P2Yn purinoceptors. With the development and application of the molecular biologic technique and the cloning and expression of the receptors, the classification was strongly confirmed.