M. J. Lohse, K.-N. Klotz, U. Schwabe, G. Christalli, S. Vittori, M. Grifantini

• Adenosine modulates a variety of physiological functions via membrane-bound receptors. These receptors couple via G proteins to adenylate cyclase and K+channels. The A1 subtype mediates an inhibition of adenylate cyclase and an opening of K+-channels, and the A2 subtype a Stimulation of adenylate cyclase. Both subtypes have been characterized by radioligand binding. This has facilitated the development of agonists and antagonists with more than 1000-fold A1 selectivity. A1-selective photoaffinity labels have been used for the biochemicalAdenosine modulates a variety of physiological functions via membrane-bound receptors. These receptors couple via G proteins to adenylate cyclase and K+channels. The A1 subtype mediates an inhibition of adenylate cyclase and an opening of K+-channels, and the A2 subtype a Stimulation of adenylate cyclase. Both subtypes have been characterized by radioligand binding. This has facilitated the development of agonists and antagonists with more than 1000-fold A1 selectivity. A1-selective photoaffinity labels have been used for the biochemical characterization of A1 receptors and the study of their coupling to adenylate cyclase. Such selective ligands allow the analysis of the involvement of adenosine receptors in physiological functions. Selective interference with adenosine receptors provides new pharmacological tools and eventually new therapeutic approaches to a number of pathophysiological states.…