The study of purinergic mechanisms has for long been focused on the actions of the nucleoside adenosine, whereby the contribution of nucleotides to the signaling systems has been underestimated.

Based on the proceedings of a IUPHAR Satellite Conference held in Leipzig, Germany, this book offers a comprehensive update and overview of nucleotide release, the structure and function of nucleotide receptors, nucleotide-metabolizing ecto-enzymes as well as the physiological functions of nucleotides in the nervous system. The physiology and molecular biology of receptors for ATP and other nucleotides are examined, as are the physiology and molecular biology of enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides.

At present, a pharmacology of the nucleotide signaling system is being developed. Of particular interest is the production of receptor subtype-specific antagonists and of drugs that selectively affect the extracellular lifetime of the nucleotide.

An excellent source of reference for institutes of pharmacology, biochemistry, neurology, zoology, and physiology, and for the pharmaceutical industry.