['To identify the mechanisms of P2X(3) receptor inhibition by extracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones.', 'Whole-cell currents were measured in cultured DRG neurones using the combination of voltage and concentration clamp.', "We have found that extracellular cAMP inhibits P2X(3)-mediated currents in a concentration- and use-dependent manner. The P2X(3) currents, activated by ATP applied every 4 min, were inhibited by 55% in the presence of 10 microm cAMP and by 81% in the presence of 30 microm cAMP. At 8 min interval between ATP applications the same concentration of cAMP did not alter the currents. Addition of 0.5 mm of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) to intracellular solution blocked the inhibitory action of cAMP. The inhibitory effects of cAMP were not mimicked by extracellular application of 30 mum adenosine."] Does extracellular cAMP inhibit P2X receptors in rat sensory neurones through G protein-mediated mechanism?