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The Role of Purinergic Receptors in Retinal Function and Disease

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Retinal Degenerative Diseases

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 664))

Abstract

Extracellular ATP acts as a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In this review, the role of purinergic receptors in neuronal signaling and bi-directional glial-neuronal communication in the retina will be considered. There is growing evidence that a range of P2X and P2Y receptors are expressed on most classes of retinal neurons and that activation of P2 receptors modulates retinal function. Furthermore, neuronal control of glial function is achieved through neuronal release of ATP and activation of P2Y receptors expressed by Müller cells. Altered purinergic signaling in Müller cells has been implicated in gliotic changes in the diseased retina and furthermore, elevations in extracellular ATP may lead to apoptosis of retinal neurons.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia

    Michelle M. Ward, Kirstan A. Vessey & Erica L. Fletcher

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Theresa Puthussery

Authors
  1. Michelle M. Ward
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  2. Theresa Puthussery
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  3. Kirstan A. Vessey
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  4. Erica L. Fletcher
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michelle M. Ward .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Health Science Center, University of Oklahoma, Stanton L. Young Blvd. 608, Oklahoma City, 73104, USA

    Robert E. Anderson

  2. Division of Ophthalmology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Euclid Ave. 9500, Cleveland, 44195, USA

    Joe G. Hollyfield

  3. School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Kirkham St. 10, San Francisco, 94143, USA

    Matthew M. LaVail

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Ward, M.M., Puthussery, T., Vessey, K.A., Fletcher, E.L. (2010). The Role of Purinergic Receptors in Retinal Function and Disease. In: Anderson, R., Hollyfield, J., LaVail, M. (eds) Retinal Degenerative Diseases. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 664. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1399-9_44

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