Pharmacology of Adenosine A2A Receptors and Therapeutic Applications

Adenosine A2A receptors were cloned about ten years ago and are known to be well conserved among mammals. Rather selective agonists and antagonists are available. In addition, two different knock-out mice have been prepared and extensively characterized. A2A receptors are highly enriched in the basal ganglia and on cells involved in inflammatory reactions. At these sites they are likely to play physiologically important roles. Efforts to develop new therapies based on A2A receptors have focused on these topics. However, A2A receptors are found on many other cell types and on them as well agonists can exert effect.