Shock : molecular, cellular, and systemic pathobiological aspects and therapeutic approaches : the official journal the Shock Society, the European Shock Society, the Brazilian Shock Society, the International Federation of Shock Societies
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In the past decades, increased concentrations of the signaling molecule adenosine have been shown to play an important role in the prevention of tissue damage evoked by several stressful circumstances. During systemic inflammation, the circulating adenosine concentration increases rapidly, even up to 10-fold in septic shock patients. ⋯ Importantly, correct interpretation of the effects of adenosine is highly related to the model of inflammation used, e.g., administration of endotoxin or live bacteria. This review will discuss the potential role for adenosine as an immunomodulating and cytoprotective signaling molecule and will discuss its potential role in the treatment of the patient suffering from sepsis.