ADENOSINE PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY - HOW ABOUT A(2) RECEPTORS

Adenosine participates in the physiology of central and peripheral tis sues through several subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors. Positive ly linked to adenylate cyclase, Az receptors have been subdivided into A(2a) and A(2b) sites on the basis on their molecular, biochemical an d pharmacological properties. They exhibit selective distribution, and are implicated in the modulation of psychomotor activity, circulation , respiration, and metabolism. Recent data support the evidence that a denosine A, receptor properties may prove useful in future drug develo pment, and selective manipulation of receptor-associated biologic effe cts might be relevant in the treatment of various disorders, including psychiatric diseases, hypoxia/ischemia, inflammation or erythrocytosi s. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science inc.