Adenosine receptors and the heart: role in regulation of coronary blood flow

摘要

Adenosine is an autacoid that plays an important role in the control of coronary flow (CF) under several metabolic conditions. Currently, there are four known adenosine receptors (ARs) subtypes, namely A1, A2A, A2B and A3ARs. By using gene-modified mice and pharmacologically selective adenosine agonists and antagonists, the role of ARs in coronary circulation has been studied in several species, with A2A and A2BARs showing vasodilating effects, while A1 and A3ARs showing vasoconstricting effects. However, their role in the regulation of CF is more heterogeneous than previously thought. This chapter discusses the role of different ARs in the control of CF, their possible signaling pathways and their clinical applications.