Adenosine 5′-triphosphate acts as an extracellular signalling molecule (purinergic
signalling), as well as an intracellular energy source. Adenosine 5′-triphosphate receptors …

Purinergic signalling, ie, the role of nucleotides as extracellular signalling molecules, was
proposed in 1972. However, this concept was not well accepted until the early 1990's when …

Henry Miller stated that “to relieve a full bladder is one of the great human joys”. Urination is
critically important in health and ailments of the lower urinary tract cause high pathological …

Inflammatory conditions are associated with the extracellular release of nucleotides,
particularly ATP. In the extracellular compartment, ATP predominantly functions as a …

This article summarizes anatomical, neurophysiological, pharmacological, and brain
imaging studies in humans and animals that have provided insights into the neural circuitry …

Feelings are mental experiences of body states. They signify physiological need (for
example, hunger), tissue injury (for example, pain), optimal function (for example, well …

Background Preclinical studies suggest that P2X3 receptors are expressed by airway vagal
afferent nerves and contribute to the hypersensitisation of sensory neurons. P2X3 receptors …

The peripheral nervous and immune systems are traditionally thought of as serving separate
functions. The line between them is, however, becoming increasingly blurred by new …

All mucosal surfaces must deal with the challenge of exposure to the outside world. The
urothelium is a highly specialized layer of stratified epithelial cells lining the inner surface of …

The sensation of pain alerts us to real or impending injury and triggers appropriate
protective responses. Unfortunately, pain often outlives its usefulness as a warning system …