Heterogeneity of P2-Purinoceptors in Brain Circulation

The existence of P 2 -purinoceptors in the cerebrovascular bed was examined by testing the effects of ATP and its stable analog, α,β-methylene-ATP, on CBF in the unanesthetized goat as well as on isometric tension in isolated goat middle cerebral artery. When injected directly into the cerebral circulation, ATP increased and α,β-methylene-ATP decreased CBF. Indomethacin did not modify either of these effects. The vasoconstrictor action of α,β-methylene-ATP was reduced by nicardipine. “In vitro,” both ATP and α,β-methylene-ATP contracted the cerebral arteries at resting tone, but the analog was more potent than ATP. Repeated application of α,β-methylene-ATP as well as indomethacin significantly reduced the ATP-induced contractions. Nicardipine inhibited both the α,β-methylene-ATP- and the ATP-induced contractile response. In preconstricted arteries, ATP produced relaxation and α,β-methylene-ATP induced further contraction. The relaxant response to ATP was not modified by indomethacin. These results show the existence of two subtypes of P 2 -purinoceptors in brain circulation: P 2x , more sensitive to α,β-methylene-ATP than to ATP, which elicits cerebral vasoconstriction; and P 2y , sensitive to ATP, which elicits cerebral vasodilation.