Adenosine receptors

Adenosine receptors (pronounced: ad-uh-NOH-seen ree-SEP-torz) are a class of purinergic receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors that are found throughout the body. They play an important role in many biological processes, including inflammation, neurotransmission, and coronary blood flow.

Etymology

The term "adenosine receptor" is derived from the Greek words "adenos", meaning gland, and "ine", a suffix used in chemical nomenclature to denote a particular group or compound. The term "receptor" comes from the Latin "receptus", meaning to receive. Thus, an adenosine receptor is a structure that receives adenosine.

Types of Adenosine Receptors

There are four known types of adenosine receptors: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. Each type has a different function and is found in different parts of the body.

A1 receptor - These receptors are found in the brain, heart, and fat cells. They are involved in a variety of functions, including inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters and reducing heart rate.
A2A receptor - These receptors are primarily found in the brain and blood vessels. They play a role in regulating blood flow and have been implicated in conditions such as Parkinson's disease and depression.
A2B receptor - These receptors are found in the lungs, gut, and immune cells. They are involved in inflammatory responses and may play a role in conditions such as asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.
A3 receptor - These receptors are found in the eyes, liver, and immune cells. They are involved in the regulation of intraocular pressure and may play a role in conditions such as glaucoma and hepatitis.

Related Terms

Purinergic receptors - A class of receptors that respond to purine nucleotides and nucleosides, such as adenosine and ATP.
G protein-coupled receptors - A large family of receptors that respond to a variety of signals and are involved in many different physiological processes.
Neurotransmission - The process by which signals are transmitted through the nervous system.
Coronary blood flow - The flow of blood through the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients.