Stimulation of prostacyclin release from aortic smooth muscle cells by purine and pyrimidine nucleotides

ATP and ATP gamma S(10-100 microM) stimulated the release of prostacyclin (PGI2) from bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. This effect was reproduced by UTP, ITP and partially by GTP. ADP and ADP beta S, the P2X-selective agonist alpha, beta-methylene ATP (APCPP), AMP and adenosine were all inactive. This effect of ATP gamma S was not inhibited by Reactive Blue 2, an antagonist of P2Y receptors. The stimulation of PGI2 production in aortic smooth muscle cells by these nucleotides thus seems to involve receptors distinct from both P2X and P2Y subtypes, which are responsible for smooth muscle contraction and PGI2 release from endothelial cells, respectively.