Description
General description
The nucleoside adenosine consists of the purine adenine and the sugar ribose. Thus, it is also referred as adenine-D-ribose. Adenosine is an important molecule that forms nucleotides, which is a part of nucleic acids forming the DNA and RNA. The nucleotides include: adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate and adenosine triphosphate.
Application
Adenosine has been used as a supplement in DMEM (Dulbecco′s modified Eagle medium):
to evaluate the outgrowth of the interspecies somatic cell nucleus transfer (iSCNT)-derived blastocysts
to maintain the CGR8 ES (germ-line competent cell line) cells
for plasmid transfection and cloning of embryonic stem cells
Biochem/physiol Actions
Endogenous neurotransmitter at adenosine receptors. Cardioprotective effects may relate to activation of A1 adenosine receptors. The antiplatelet and anti−inflammatory actions of adenosine appear to be mediated via the A2 adenosine receptor. In contrast, adenosine appears to be a pro-inflammatory mediator in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Endogenous neurotransmitter. Cardioprotective effects may relate to activation of A1 adenosine receptors. The antiplatelet and anti−inflammatory actions of adenosine appear to be mediated via the A2 adenosine receptor. In contrast, adenosine appears to be a pro-inflammatory mediator in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Tissue injury, ischemia and abnormal cell proliferation stimulate the release of adenosine. Adenosine helps in countering the effects of reduced oxygen and energy in organs such as heart, brain and skeletal muscles mediating vasodialation. It delivers its action through G protein-coupled receptors. Adenosine also reduces the release of neurotransmitters and cellular metabolism.
