TNP-ATP has become widely recognized as a potent and selective P2X receptor antagonist, and is currently being used to discriminate between subtypes of P2X receptors in a variety of tissues. We have investigated the ability of TNP-ATP to inhibit alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP)-evoked responses in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells expressing recombinant rat or human P2X(2/3) receptors. Pharmacological responses were measured using electrophysiological and calcium imaging techniques. TNP-ATP was a potent inhibitor of P2X(2/3) receptors, blocking both rat and human receptors with IC(50) values of 3 to 6 nM. In competition studies, 10 to 1000 microM alpha,beta-meATP was able to overcome TNP-ATP inhibition. Schild analysis revealed that TNP-ATP was a competitive antagonist with pA(2) values of -8.7 and -8.2. Inhibition of P2X(2/3) receptors by TNP-ATP was rapid in onset, reversible, and did not display use dependence. Although the onset kinetics of inhibition were concentration-dependent, the TNP-ATP off-kinetics were concentration-independent and relatively slow. Full recovery from TNP-ATP inhibition did not occur until >/=5 s after removal of the antagonist. Because of the slow off-kinetics of TNP-ATP, full competition with alpha,beta-meATP for receptor occupancy could be seen only after both ligands had reached a steady-state condition. It is proposed that the slowly desensitizing P2X(2/3) receptor allowed this competitive interaction to be observed over time, whereas the rapid desensitization of other P2X receptors (P2X(3)) may mask the detection of competitive inhibition by TNP-ATP.