Pathophysiological Role of Extracellular Purinergic Mediators in the Control of Intestinal Inflammation

Figure 1

ATP is released from necrotic and apoptotic cells as extracellular ATP (eATP). Also, adenylate kinase and synthase mediate the generation of ATP in the extracellular compartment. Extracellular purines (e.g., ATP and ADP) stimulate their receptors and modulate various biological processes. Once eATP is released, the ATP is soon hydrolyzed to AMP and adenosine by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73. Adenosine binds to adenosine receptors (e.g., A₁, , , and A₃).