ABSTRACT
Platelet P2Y receptors Platelet activation by nucleotides such as adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plays a crucial role in thrombus formation. The nucleotides interact with two large families of purinergic (P) receptors: the ionotropic P2X and the G-protein-coupled P2Y receptors ( Figure 10.1 ). Two types of P2Y and one type of P2X receptors are expressed by human platelets. Among the eight different subtypes of P2Y receptors cloned so far, the P2Y 1 and P2Y 12 types are present on platelets, acting as receptors for ADP. The importance of these receptors in both physiological and pathological platelet function is derived largely from human disorders, mouse models, and pharmacological intervention.
