Adenosine-mediated inhibition of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase during reperfusion enhances recovery of left ventricular mechanical function

► Adenosine inhibits glycolysis via actions on AMPK, PFK-2 and PFK-1. ► Adenosine effects are mainly evident during reperfusion. ► Adenosine effects are mediated by activation of protein phosphatases. ► p38 MAPK inhibitor reduces glycolysis by a mechanism distinct than adenosine.