[ATP-activated ion conductance in the somatic membrane of the neurons of mammalian sensory ganglia].

The receptors for ATP were found on the external surface of the somatic membrane of mammalian sensory neurons. Their activation was accompanied by an increase in the membrane permeability to monovalent cations. ATP-operated ionic channels were low-selective and permeable to Tris and TEA ions. Simultaneously these channels demonstrated strong anomalous rectification. While ATP and ADP are agonists for the described receptors, AMP and adenosine are their competitive blockers. ATP-activated currents demonstrate rapid activation and slow desensitisation. The time constant for the latter process is about 2s.