Purinergic Signaling in Cardiovascular System: A Fertile Ground of Investigation

Purinergic signaling is a primitive and highly conserved system between animals. Nucleotides (e.g. ATP, ADP) and nucleosides (e.g. adenosine) may act as cellular messengers when getting the extracellular space and binding purinoceptors. In the cardiovascular system, nucleotides may either lead to vasoconstriction when activating VSMC P2 receptors or vasorelaxation by the activation of endothelial P2. Ectonucleotidases, especially NTPDase1 and ecto-5’-nucleotidase, are able to hydrolyse purine nucleotides in order to finish ATP signaling. Our research group has focusing in clarifying the mechanisms of ectonucleotidases’ contribution to the development and progression of hypertension. However, there is a big lack in selective inhibitors for ectonucleotidases which restricts the use of purinergic therapies. At the same time, this scarcity may characterize the nucleotides’ signaling as a very fertile ground of investigation in the cardiovascular system.

Author(s):

Cristina Ribas Furstenau

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