Adenosine receptors as therapeutic targets for the treatment of myocardial infarction and its complications. Part I. Myocardial infarction

Adenosine is an endogenous compound with cardioprotective properties that acts via A₁, A_2A, A_2B and A₃ plasma membrane receptors. Over the last several decades, the mechanisms underlying adenosine’s protective effects in the ischemic myocardium were investigated. They are the basis for ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning procedures that protect the heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury. The promising results of animal model studies have encouraged a large group of researchers to conduct clinical trials assessing the benefits of adenosine as an adjunct to reperfusion therapy in myocardial infarction. This review describes the mechanisms behind the cardioprotective effect of adenosine and presents current reports on its clinical utility in the treatment of myocardial infarction.