Release of (14C) adenosine from the guinea pig heart during autoregulation

The radioisotope method applied in the studies presented appears to be of particular advantage for the sensitive measurement of changes in adenosine release from the myocardium. The data obtained provide evidence that conditions which alter the oxygen supply to the heart such as lowering the perfusion pressure, temporary interruption of coronary inflow, and reducing oxygen content in the perfusion medium are accompanied by an enhanced release of adenosine. These results further support the concept that adenosine is a mediator in the regulation of coronary flow.