Adenosine A1 receptor antagonists and the kidney

The utility of adenosine A(1)-receptor antagonists in the treatment of congestive heart failure should lead to larger clinical trials of these agents. There is increasing evidence that the receptors mediate vasoconstriction that is unique to the renal microcirculation. However, studies of adenosine A(1)-receptor antagonists in animal models have largely been unsuccessful in preventing ischemic kidney damage, most likely due to the diversity of factors and events that are involved.