Prospects of using P2 receptors agonists and antagonists as drug substances

P2 receptors are detected in different tissues and organs, which makes them a potential target of pharmacological action. A number of studies confirming the maturity of purinergic theory are currently published. Literature review focuses on P2 receptors characteristics, their main current agonists and antagonists, as well as on the possibilities of pharmacological action on these receptors. The most important studies addressing new chemical compounds important for studying P2 receptors and also compounds with potential for medical use are analyzed. Data on current successes of P2 receptors pharmacology and introduction of P2Y receptors antagonists into clinical practice are presented. Over the last decades a certain progress was observed in studying P2 receptors agonists and antagonists. There is a growing interest to pathophysiology and therapeutic potential of purinergic neurotransmission. Nevertheless, there is a need for developing new compounds acting selectively to these receptors both in vivo and in vitro. Despite the large number of P2 receptors agonists and antagonists, most of them have certain drawbacks, including incomplete of non-selective antagonism, or significant effect on ecto-ATPase activity. Thus, studying P2 receptors to find novel compounds acting on these receptors is of significant clinical value. Apparently, this trend of developing novel drugs — P2 receptors agonists and antagonists — is particularly promising.