Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Use of a Hanging Weight System for Coronary Artery Occlusion in Mice
Published on: April 19, 2011
Safety issues of compounds acting on adenosinergic signalling
Jan Schmidt1,2, Polonca Ferk2
1Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.
Adenosine receptor (AdR) ligands face safety challenges, limiting approvals. This review examines toxicological data and adverse effects of compounds targeting adenosinergic signaling, including novel pharmaceutical developments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Extensive research exists on adenosine and adenosinergic signaling roles.
- Limited marketing authorizations for adenosine receptor (AdR) ligands suggest underlying safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine toxicological and adverse effect data for compounds modulating adenosinergic signaling.
- To review pharmaceutical developments of experimental compounds in clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of safety data for adenosine, adenosine derivatives, and non-nucleoside compounds.
- Analysis of mechanisms contributing to adverse effects and toxic outcomes.
- Examination of organ-specific toxic effects using in vitro and in vivo models.
Main Results:
- Compounds modulating adenosinergic signaling exhibit safety issues.
- Non-selective AdR ligands and compounds targeting related enzymes or other systems (e.g., GABA receptors) present risks.
- Some synthetic AdR ligands demonstrate genotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- This review consolidates safety data for various compounds affecting adenosinergic signaling.
- Understanding diverse mechanisms of toxicity is crucial for AdR ligand development.
- Organ-specific toxic effects require further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...
Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
These agents can be classified...
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

