Adenosine

Synonyms

(2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolane-3,4-diol; 9-β-D-ribofuranosyladenine; Adenine-9-β-D-ribofuranoside; Adenine riboside

Definition

Endogenous nucleoside made up of the purinic base adenine and the pentose carbohydrate ribose linked through an N-9 bound. Adenosine is present in all mammalian tissues at both the intra- and extracellular level, and takes part in important physiopathological phenomena (e.g., modulation of inflammation, regulation of heart rhythm). At the level of the central nervous system, adenosine promotes a generalized inhibition of neuronal functionality, a reason why it is often referred to as “endogenous neurodepressant.”

Cross-References

Caffeine