It has been almost 15 years since the fIrst reports appeared indicating that adenosine exerted a .protective effect in ischemic and reperfused myocardium. Numerous experimental studies have shown that adenosine (both exogenous and endogenous adenosine) delays the onset of ischemic contracture, modulates myocardial metabolism during ischemia, attenuates reversible postischemic ventricular dysfunction (myocardial stunning), and reduces myocardial infarct size. Initial studies on adenosine's cardioprotective effect were based on its ability to stimulate postischemic ATP resynthesis, increase...

It has been almost 15 years since the fIrst reports appeared indicating that adenosine exerted a .protective effect in ischemic and reperfused myocardium. Numerous experimental studies have shown that adenosine (both exogenous and endogenous adenosine) delays the onset of ischemic contracture, modulates myocardial metabolism during ischemia, attenuates reversible postischemic ventricular dysfunction (myocardial stunning), and reduces myocardial infarct size. Initial studies on adenosine's cardioprotective effect were based on its ability to stimulate postischemic ATP resynthesis, increase...