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Purinergic signaling and microglia

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Abstract

Microglial cells are considered as the pathologic sensors of the brain. In this paper, we review mechanisms of purinergic signaling in microglia. As ATP is not only considered as a physiological signaling substance but is also elevated in pathology, it is not surprising that microglia express a variety of P2X, P2Y and adenosin receptors. As a rapid physiological event, ATP triggers a cationic conductance, increases the potassium conductance and also elicits a calcium response. As a long-term effect, purinergic receptor activation is linked to the movement of microglial processes and, in the context of pathology, to chemotaxis. The purinoreceptors also modulate the release of substances from microglia, such as cytokines, nitric oxide, or superoxide, which are important in the context of a pathologic response.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 507) and Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (DLR 01GZ0304) for support.

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  1. Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straβe 10, 13092, Berlin, Germany

    Katrin Färber & Helmut Kettenmann

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  1. Katrin Färber
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  2. Helmut Kettenmann
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Correspondence to Helmut Kettenmann.

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Färber, K., Kettenmann, H. Purinergic signaling and microglia. Pflugers Arch - Eur J Physiol 452, 615–621 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-006-0064-7

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