Effect of adenosine in some models of inflammation and anaphylaxis in experimental animals

Adenosine has controversial effects. The inhalation of this substance causes bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients, but possesses a protective effect in human inflammatory disease states. We have evaluated the effect of chronic treatment with adenosine (100 micrograms/kg/day), on anaphylactic shock in sensitized mice and guinea pigs and on ozone-induced changes of lung function in rats, taking into account that in these models inflammatory cells and mediators are involved. Adenosine is able to inhibit the increase of wet lung weight to body weight ratio induced by ozone, and to reduce the mortality induced by anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs and mice.