Sympathetic co-transmission: the coordinated action of ATP and noradrenaline and their modulation by neuropeptide Y in human vascular neuroeffector junctions

Eur J Pharmacol. 2004 Oct 1;500(1-3):27-35. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.07.008.

Abstract

The historical role of noradrenaline as the predominant sympathetic neurotransmitter in vascular neuroeffector junctions has matured to include ATP and the modulator action of neuropeptide Y (NPY). Numerous studies with isolated blood vessels rings demonstrate the presence of key enzymes responsible for the synthesis of ATP, noradrenaline and NPY, their co-storage, and their electrically evoked release from sympathetic perivascular nerve terminals. Functional assays coincide to demonstrate the integral role of these neurochemicals in sympathetic reflexes. In addition, the detection of the diverse receptor populations for ATP, noradrenaline and NPY in blood vessels, either in the smooth muscle, endothelial cells or nerve endings, further contribute to the notion that sympathetic vascular reflexes encompass the orchestrated action of the noradrenaline and ATP, and their modulation by NPY. The future clinical opportunities of sympathetic co-transmission in the control of human cardiovascular diseases will be highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena
  • Cardiovascular System / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neuroeffector Junction / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptide Y / physiology*
  • Norepinephrine / physiology*
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide Y / physiology
  • Receptors, Purinergic / physiology
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission

Substances

  • Neuropeptide Y
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide Y
  • Receptors, Purinergic
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Norepinephrine