Emerging evidence suggests circulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role in local blood flow control. ATP is primarily thought to bind to P2Y receptors on the endothelium, and activate downstream vasodilator pathways. Specific mechanisms behind ATP-mediated vasodilatation are currently unknown in humans; however, research supports the contribution of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PGs) and endothelial-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) via one or several potassium (K+) channels.
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