Some areas of current interest in the rapidly expanding purinergic signalling field that are controversial or are unresolved are highlighted in this review. These include the mechanisms underlying: ATP transport across cell and vesicle membranes; the interaction of multiple receptors for purines and pyrimidines on single cells; the blocking effect of antagonists to P2X(4) and P2X(7) receptors expressed by microglial cells in neuropathic and inflammatory pain; and the complex actions mediated by P2X(7) receptors. Some desirable areas for further research are also discussed including: comparative studies of the evolution of purinergic signalling; studies of purinergic signalling in development and regeneration, including the involvement of stem cells; behavioural studies; and therapeutic strategies.
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Geoffrey Burnstock (2008) studied this question.
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