Caspase inhibition via A3 adenosine receptors: a new cardioprotective mechanism against myocardial infarction.

Purpose: 2-CL-IB-MECA, (A3 adenosine receptor agonist)(A3AR) mediated cardioprotection is well documented although the associated intracellular signalling pathways remain unclear. Here we demonstrate a role of the pro-survival signalling pathways MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT and their effect on modifying Caspase-3 activity in A3AR mediated cardioprotection.

Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts or primary adult rat cardiac myocytes were subjected to ischaemia/hypoxia and reperfusion/reoxygenation, respectively.