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Purinergic signaling in oral tissues
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 17:11 authored by Zuccarini, M, Giuliani, P, Ronci, M, Caciagli, F, Vanni CarusoVanni Caruso, Ciccarelli, R, Di Iorio, PThe role of the purinergic signal has been extensively investigated in many tissues and related organs, including the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and immune systems. Less attention has been paid to the influence of purines in the oral cavity, which is the first part of the digestive apparatus and also acts as the body's first antimicrobial barrier. In this review, evidence is provided of the presence and possible physiological role of the purinergic system in the different structures forming the oral cavity including teeth, tongue, hard palate, and soft palate with their annexes such as taste buds, salivary glands, and nervous fibers innervating the oral structures. We also report findings on the involvement of the purinergic signal in pathological conditions affecting the oral apparatus such as Sjogren's syndrome or following irradiation for the treatment of head and neck cancer, and the use of experimental drugs interfering with the purine system to improve bone healing after damage. Further investigations are required to translate the results obtained so far into the clinical setting in order to pave the way for a wider application of purine-based treatments in oral diseases.
History
Publication title
International Journal of Molecular SciencesVolume
23Issue
14Article number
7790Number
7790Pagination
1-22ISSN
1422-0067Department/School
School of Pharmacy and PharmacologyPublisher
Molecular Diversity Preservation InternationalPlace of publication
Matthaeusstrasse 11, Basel, Switzerland, Ch-4057Repository Status
- Restricted