ATP- and adenosine-mediated signaling in the central nervous system: adenosine receptor activation by ATP through rapid and localized generation of adenosine by ecto-nucleotidases.

Extracellular ATP is now recognized as a neurotransmitter or neuromodilator in the nervous system, producing diverse physiological effects by activating multiple P2 receptors. Although P2-receptor signaling is terminated by hydrolysis of ATP by the ecto-nucleotidase cascade, such a metabolic step leads to adenosine generation, thereby initiating adenosine (P1)-receptor activation. Because most cells and tissues co-express P1 and P2 receptors, ecto-nucleotidase on target tissues, especially enzymes catalyzing adenosine formation, are determinants of the cellular response to ATP. Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E-5'-NT) has been considered to play a principal role in conversion of AMP to adenosine. In addition to E-5'-NT, we have recently demonstrated that ecto-alkaline phosphatase is also involved in ATP-induced P1-receptor activation through a rapid and localized adenosine production on the membrane surface. In this minireview, we describe the pharmacological profile of ecto-nucleotidase-dependent P1-receptor activation by ATP and molecular bases of preferential delivery of metabolically generated adenosine to P1 receptors. Several lines of evidence suggest that the close association between ecto-nucleotidases and P1 receptors may constitute a functional receptor for extracellular ATP, and some physiological responses to ATP would occur through this mechanism.