Purinergic receptors, also known as purinoceptors, are a family of plasma membrane molecules that are found in almost all mammalian tissues.

Within the field of purinergic signaling, these receptors have been implicated in learning and memory, locomotor and feeding behavior, and sleep.

More specifically, they are involved in several cellular functions, including the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells, vascular reactivity, apoptosis, and cytokine secretion.

These functions have not been well characterized and the effect of the extracellular microenvironment on their function is also poorly understood.