Adenosine receptors and vascular inflammation

Epidemiological studies have shown a positive correlation between poor lung function and respiratory disorders like asthma and the development of adverse cardiovascular events. Increased adenosine (AD) levels are associated with lung inflammation which could lead to altered vascular responses and systemic inflammation. There is relatively little known about the cardiovascular effects of adenosine in a model of allergy. We have shown that A1 adenosine receptors (AR) are involved in altered vascular responses and vascular inflammation in allergic mice. Allergic A1wild-type mice showed altered vascular reactivity, increased airway responsiveness and systemic inflammation. Our data suggests that A1 AR is pro-inflammatory systemically in this model of asthma. There are also reports of the A2B receptor having anti-inflammatory effects in vascular stress; however its role in allergy with respect to vascular effects hasn't been fully explored. In this review, we have focused on the role of adenosine receptors in allergic asthma and the cardiovascular system and possible mechanism(s) of action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: “Adenosine Receptors”.