Title:Vascular Adenosine Receptors; Potential Clinical Applications
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Author(s): Ming-Fen Ho and Roselyn B. Rose’Meyer
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Adenosine, adenosine receptors, adenosine metabolism, blood vessels, vasodilation, vessel remodelling.
Abstract: Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that is an important metabolic sensing molecule. It is released
during conditions of low oxygen delivery to tissues and organs to activate a range of effects in vascular tissues. Adenosine
has a role in the vasculature by mediating vasodilation, vessel remodelling, cell proliferation as well as antiplatelet and
inflammatory responses. Also, adenosine stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during wound healing and tumour
growth. Currently, the clinical uses of adenosine are limited to treatment of supraventricular tachycardia or as a coronary
vasodilator during radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. Due to the involvement of adenosine in various pathological
conditions, the targeting of specific adenosine receptor (ADOR) subtypes in the vasculature using selective ADOR
agonists or antagonists could have potential therapeutic benefit. However, the distribution of the receptors differs between
species. Therefore, cross-species testing is essential to validate drug function.
