Platelet purinergic receptors

Activation of P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) receptors, through secreted ADP that is stimulated by agonists such as thrombin., thromboxane and collagen, is a major mechanism of platelet activation. P2X(1) receptors also participate in platelet shape change and potentiation of calcium mobilization. The cloning of the P2Y(12) receptor and its subsequent knockout in mice promises further understanding of its downstream signaling events.