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Abstract

Methods for protecting tissues and organs including the heart central nervous system, and kidney from ischemic damage are described and claimed based upon the recognition that protection against infarction is mediated by A3 rather than A1 adenosine receptors, as was previously thought, and that the receptor mediating protection in other organs and tissues has not been defined. Methods for selectively stimulating A3 adenosine receptors are described and claimed, as such selection is shown to prevent or substantially reduce cell death resulting from ischemia with or without reperfusion in humans. According to this invention, the A3 adenosine receptor is selectively stimulated by administering a compound which is an A3 adenosine receptor-selective agonist. Prevention of tissue death is also achieved by administering a compound which is a non-selective adenosine receptor agonist together with compounds that act as antagonists to the A1 and A2 adenosine receptors.

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First Claim