ATP mediates fast synaptic transmission in mammalian neurons (original) (raw)

Nature volume 357, pages 503–505 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

IN addition to its diverse functions inside cells, ATP can act at several types of cell-surface receptor1–3. One of these (P2x-purinoceptor) is believed to be a ligand-gated cation channel1–6. The presence of P2x receptors on autonomic, sensory and central neurons suggests that ATP might be released to act as a fast excitatory synaptic transmitter. Here we record excitatory synaptic potentials and currents from cultured coeliac ganglion neurons which are mimicked by ATP, blocked by the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin, desensitized by α,β-methylene-ATP and unaffected by antagonists acting at nicotine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, _N_-methyl-_D_-aspartate (NMDA), non-NMDA glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline or adenosine receptors. We conclude that ATP is the neurotransmitter at this neuro–neuronal synapse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
    Richard J. Evans, Victor Derkach & Annmarie Surprenant

Authors

  1. Richard J. Evans
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  2. Victor Derkach
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  3. Annmarie Surprenant
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Evans, R., Derkach, V. & Surprenant, A. ATP mediates fast synaptic transmission in mammalian neurons.Nature 357, 503–505 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/357503a0

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