March 1, 2002Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology413 citations
View Full PaperPurinergic Signaling and Vascular Cell Proliferation and Death
Key Result
Purinergic signaling via P1 and P2Y receptors promotes vascular cell proliferation, while P2X7 receptors mediate cell death, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for vascular pathologies.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells
E
Exposure
Purinergic signaling modulation (via P1 and P2Y receptors, ATP, and adenosine)
O
Outcome
Vascular cell proliferation and cell death
This review highlights the mechanistic role of purinergic signaling in vascular cell proliferation and death, identifying P1 and P2Y receptors as potential therapeutic targets for vascular diseases.
Abstract
Evidence for the role of purinergic signaling (via P1 and P2Y receptors) in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells is reviewed. The involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase second-messenger cascade in this action is clearly implicated, although details of the precise intracellular pathways involved still remain to be determined. Synergistic actions of purines and pyrimidines with growth factors occur in promoting cell proliferation. Interaction between purinergic signaling for vascular cell proliferation and cell death mediated by P2X7 receptors is discussed. There is evidence of the release of ATP from endothelial cells, platelets, and sympathetic nerves as well as from damaged cells in atherosclerosis, hypertension, restenosis, and ischemia; furthermore, there is evidence that vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells proliferate in these pathological conditions. Thus, the involvement of ATP and its breakdown product, adenosine, is implicated; it is hoped that with the development of selective P1 (A2) and P2Y receptor agonists and antagonists, new therapeutic strategies will be explored.