Ticagrelor and Adenosine

Preclinical studies have shown that the P2Y12 receptor antagonist ticagrelor can increase the extracellular concentration of the endogenous nucleoside adenosine by inhibiting the cellular uptake of adenosine via the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT). This mechanism can contribute to the beneficial effects and to the side effects (dyspnea) of ticagrelor in patients with an acute myocardial infarction. In the current research proposal, we aim to investigate whether ticagrelor increases adenosine receptor stimulation in humans in vivo by ENT inhibition.