Abstract
The basis of the established subdivision of receptors for purines into P1-purinoceptors for adenosine and P2-purinoceptors for ATP and ADP is considered, as well as the proposals for subdivision of P1-purinoceptors into A1 and A2 subtypes and of ATP receptors into P2x-, P2y- P2z- and P2T-purinoceptor subtypes. The distribution and roles of these receptor subtypes in muscles, nerves and other tissues, including endothelial and epithelial cells, hepatocytes, blood cells, fibroblasts and astrocytes, are discussed.