From:  Mechanisms of astrocytic and microglial purinergic signaling in homeostatic regulation and implications for neurological disease

Short-term vs. long-term functions of purinergic signaling in the CNS

FunctionShort-term rolesLong-term rolesCellular involvementReferences
Neuromodulation- Modulation of synaptic transmission
- Enhanced synaptic plasticity during neuronal firing		- Maintenance of synaptic homeostasis over time
- Regulation of long-term potentiation		Neurons, astrocytes, microglia[7, 38, 74]
Synaptic plasticity- Modulation of neurotransmitter release at synapses
- Regulation of ion flux via P2X receptors		- Structural changes like dendritic remodeling
- Synapse formation and stabilization		Neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes[6, 40, 70]
Inflammatory responses- Activation of microglia for injury response
- Chemotactic signaling through P2Y12 receptors		- Persistent neuroinflammatory responses in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseMicroglia, astrocytes, neurons[24, 75, 76]
Cognitive and behavioral adaptation- Modulation of neuronal excitability
- Regulation of neurotransmitter release during short-term stress or stimulus		- Long-term effects on learning and memory
- Potential involvement in psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, anxiety)		Astrocytes, neurons, microglia[24, 54, 70, 77]
Tissue repair and regeneration- Acute ATP release to mediate damage response and recruit glial cells- Long-term neurogenesis, axonal growth, and synaptic remodelingAstrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes[78, 79]
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