Editing Adenosine (section)

== Metabolism ==
Adenosine used as a [[second messenger]] can be the result of ''de novo'' [[purine biosynthesis]] via [[adenosine monophosphate]] (AMP), though it is possible other pathways exist.<ref>{{Cite journal | vauthors = Miller-Patrick K, Vincent DL, Early RJ, Weems YS, Tanaka Y, Ashimine DT, Nusser KD, Lee CN, Ledgerwood KS, Weems CW | title = Effects of the purine biosynthesis pathway inhibitors azaserine, hadacidin, and mycophenolic acid on the developing ovine corpus luteum | journal = The Chinese Journal of Physiology | volume = 36 | issue = 4 | pages = 245–252 | year = 1993 | pmid = 8020339 }}</ref>

When adenosine enters the circulation, it is broken down by [[adenosine deaminase]], which is present in [[red blood cell]]s and the vessel wall.

[[Dipyridamole]], an inhibitor of [[adenosine nucleoside transporter]], allows adenosine to accumulate in the blood stream. This causes an increase in coronary [[vasodilatation]].

[[Adenosine deaminase deficiency]] is a known cause of immunodeficiency.