Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

© 2003 by Marcel Dekker, Inc. I. INTRODUCTION The endogenous nucleoside adenosine performs multiple functions within the body. It can be progressively phosphorylated to generate the high-energy molecules adenosine mono-, di-, and triphosphate (AMP, ADP, and ATP), and from ATP may be further modified to generate the intracellular second-messenger cyclic-AMP (cAMP). More recently, it has become apparent that adenosine also acts as a chemical-signaling agent or local hormone in its own right. The diversity of responses that are mediated by adenosine in this signaling context is also wide, but as a rule, its effects are generally inhibitory: for example, it reduces heart rate, inhibits fatty acid release from adipocytes, down-regulates the immune response, and acts as a central nervous system (eNS) depressant. The latter response is particularly relevant in understanding the role of adenosine in the physiology of pain.

Type

Chapter

Book title

Pain: Current Understanding, Emerging Therapies, and Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery

Publication Date

01/01/2003

Pages

649 - 658