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P2X Receptors: Peculiarities of the Structure and Modulation of the Functions

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Neurophysiology Aims and scope

This review summarizes the data of modern studies examining peculiarities of the structure and functioning of ionotropic ATP-sensitive receptors (P2X). The properties of different P2X receptor subtypes, their pharmacology, regulation of the permeability, conductivity, sensitization, and desensitization are compared. The properties of homomeric and heteromeric receptors are analyzed. The involvement of ATP-activated mechanisms in the processes of intra- and intercellular signalization, nociception, thermoreception, and development of pathological states is described. Despite the fact that P2X receptors belong to ionotropic membrane receptor structures, there are data that their activity depends on the cell metabolism. The statement that properties of P2X receptors are modulated by changes in relative expression of different types of their subunits is discussed.

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  1. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine

    Ye. A. Petrushenko

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Petrushenko, Y.A. P2X Receptors: Peculiarities of the Structure and Modulation of the Functions. Neurophysiology 44, 163–173 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11062-012-9284-y

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