The role of adenosine receptor agonists in regulation of hematopoiesis

Molecules. 2011 Jan 17;16(1):675-85. doi: 10.3390/molecules16010675.

Abstract

The review summarizes data evaluating the role of adenosine receptor signaling in murine hematopoietic functions. The studies carried out utilized either non-selective activation of adenosine receptors induced by elevation of extracellular adenosine or by administration of synthetic adenosine analogs having various proportions of selectivity for a particular receptor. Numerous studies have described stimulatory effects of non-selective activation of adenosine receptors, manifested as enhancement of proliferation of cells at various levels of the hematopoietic hierarchy. Subsequent experimental approaches, considering the hematopoiesis-modulating action of adenosine receptor agonists with a high level of selectivity to individual adenosine receptor subtypes, have revealed differential effects of various adenosine analogs. Whereas selective activation of A₁ receptors has resulted in suppression of proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor and precursor cells, that of A₃ receptors has led to stimulated cell proliferation in these cell compartments. Thus, A₁ and A₃ receptors have been found to play a homeostatic role in suppressed and regenerating hematopoiesis. Selective activation of adenosine A₃ receptors has been found to act curatively under conditions of drug- and radiation-induced myelosuppression. The findings in these and further research areas will be summarized and mechanisms of hematopoiesis-modulating action of adenosine receptor agonists will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hematopoiesis / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Purinergic P1 / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Receptors, Purinergic P1