Therapeutic potency of pharmacological adenosine receptor agonist/antagonist in angiogenesis, current status and perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Adenosine concentration significantly increases in tumour microenvironment contributing to tumorigenic processes including cell proliferation, survival, invasion and of special interest in this review angiogenesis. Key findings This review summarizes the role of pharmacological adenosine receptor agonist and antagonist in regulating angiogenesis for a better understanding and hence a better management of angiogenesis-associated disorders. Summary Depending upon the pharmacological characteristics of adenosine receptor subtypes, adenosine elicits anti- or pro-angiogenic responses in stimulated cells. Inhibition of the stimulatory effect of adenosine signalling on angiogenesis using specific pharmacological adenosine receptor agonist, and antagonist is a potentially novel strategy to suppress angiogenesis in tumours.