Selective expression of purinoceptor cP2Y<INF>1</INF> suggests a role for nucleotide signalling in development of the chick embryo

Responses to extracellular nucleotides (e.g., ATP, ADP, etc.) have been demonstrated in a number of embryonic cell types suggesting they may be important signalling molecules during embryonic development. Here the authors describe for the first time the expression of a G-protein–coupled receptor for extracellular ATP, chick P2Y<INF>1</INF> (cP2Y<INF>1</INF>), during embryonic development of the chick. During the first 10 days of embryonic development, cP2Y<INF>1</INF> is expressed in a developmentally regulated manner in the limb buds, mesonephros, brain, somites, and facial primordia, suggesting that this receptor may have a role in the development of each of these systems. <TOGGLE>Dev Dyn 1999;214:152–158</TOGGLE>. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.