The cardioprotective effects of adenosine in numerous experimental models h
ave been well described and there is evidence that adenosine is beneficial
in the clinical setting. However, the exact mechanism by which adenosine ex
erts its beneficial effects in reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardi
um has not been determined. In addition, with the exception of the A(1) rec
eptor, there is not universal agreement on the involvement of adenosine rec
eptor subtypes, This review summarizes recent findings in our laboratory on
the role of the A(3) and A(2a) receptors in adenosine cardioprotection and
compartmentation of cardiomyocyte adenosine receptor signaling. Drug Dev.
Res. 52:357-365, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.