Fine tuning neuromodulation by adenosine and neuroprotection

Adenosine fine tuning neuromodulation is a very subtle change, similar to what e.g., a pianist does, modulating a sound through insertion of another sound; so, modifying the characteristics of the previous sound. This is what adenosine does to modulate neurotransmitter actions. Adenosine neuromodulation is operated through high affinity inhibitory A1 and excitatory A2A receptors. These receptors have the particularity of interacting with receptors for other neurotransmitters and neuromodulators as well as with adenosine transport systems. This modulation is involved in neuroprotection namely via adenosine A1 receptors in neurotoxicity during hypoxia, reactive oxygen species insults either inhibiting NMDA receptors or as part of interleukin-6 neuroprotecive effects. On the other hand A2A receptors mainly trigger the action of several promoters of neuroprotection, e.g., BDNF and GDNF.