Participation of adenosine receptors in neuroprotection.

Adenosine is released from most cells, including neurons and glial cells. Once in the extracellular space, adenosine modifies cell functioning by operating G-protein-coupled receptors. Interaction between adenosine receptors and other receptors for neuromodulators might contribute to a fine tuning of neuronal function, and therefore, to neuroprotection. Manipulation of adenosine receptors may influence sleep and arousal, cognition and memory, neuronal damage and degeneration and neuronal maturation. The therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are discussed.