Purinergic P2X receptors represent a novel structural type of ligand-gated ion channels activated by extracellular ATP. So far, seven P2X receptors subunits have been found in excitable as well as non-excitable tissues. Little is known about their structure, mechanism of channel opening, localization, and role in the central nervous system. The aim of this work is to summarize recent investigations and describe our contribution to elucidating the structure of the ATP binding site and transmembrane domains of the P2X receptor, we also discuss the expression and physiological roles played by the ATP and P2X receptors in the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus., H. Zemková, A. Balík, M. Jindřichová, V. Vávra., and Obsahuje bibliografii a bibliografické odkazy