In their classic paper in 1929, Drury and Szent-Gyorgyi described a number of the important cardiovascular actions of adenosine. Another thirty years were to pass before the possible physiological role of adenosine in coronary vasodilation was studied by Berne and others. Since then, there has been a tremendous increase in research into the actions of adenosine. Workers from many disciplines have employed a wide variety of techniques, since adenosine is a product of and a substrate for a number of metabolic pathways, is transported into cells, and acts at discrete receptor sites to modulate the activity of adenylate cyclase and to produce important actions on many cells and tissues including platelets, adipo cytes, heart, blood vessels, and other smooth muscles. International symposia on the actions of adenosine were held in 1978, 1981, and 1982, and the proceedings of these symposia have been published (Baer and Drummond, 1979; Daly et at., 1983; Berne et at., 1983). Since it is not the primary purpose of the present volume to review our current understanding of the nu merous actions of adenosine, these volumes should be consulted for such details. Rather, the present volume has been planned to provide both graduate students and investigators in pharmacology and related disciplines with a summary of some of the methods now available for the study of the actions of adenosine and, in particular, to highlight their possible uses and limitations.

This report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research reviews the history of caffeine usage, the metabolism of caffeine, and its physiological effects. The effects of caffeine on physical performance, cognitive function and alertness, and alleviation of sleep deprivation impairments are discussed in light of recent scientific literature. The impact of caffeine consumption on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease, reproduction, bone mineral density, and fluid homeostasis are reviewed. The behavioral effects of caffeine are also discussed, including the effect of caffeine on reaction to stress, withdrawal effects, and detrimental effects of high intakes. The amounts of caffeine found to enhance vigilance and reaction time consistently are reviewed and recommendations are made with respect to amounts of caffeine appropriate for maintaining alertness of military personnel during field operations. Recommendations are also provided on the need for appropriate labeling of caffeine-containing supplements, and education of military personnel on the use of these supplements. A brief review of some alternatives to caffeine is also provided.

This book contains a selection of lectures given during the 5th International Symposium on Adenosine and Adenine Nucleotides, recently held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Adenosine and Adenine Nucleotides: From Molecular Biology to Integrative Physiology covers a wide range of subjects from molecular and cellular biology to clinical applications. A great emphasis has been placed on cutting edge information derived from studies using molecular and cellular biology techniques applied to the field of adenosine and adenine nucleotide research. The book also includes information on potentially promising developments in the therapeutic applications of adenosine related drugs and ATP. The tradition of past meetings is also maintained by including in the program presentations of new research in the areas of purine metabolism and physiology, and pharmacology of adenosine and adenine nucleotides. Adenosine and Adenine Nucleotides: From Molecular Biology to Integrative Physiology is an excellent, up-to-date reference book for basic and clinical scientists in the field of adenosine and adenine nucleotides.

This book traces the history of adenosine receptor research from molecular biology to medicinal chemistry to behavior, including their implications in disease and potential strategies as therapeutic targets. It provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the adenosine receptors that includes information on all subtypes - A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Aspects addressed include the most up to date information on their functional distribution in the nervous and peripheral systems, behavioral roles in inflammation, cancer, pain and neurological diseases such as Huntington’s disease, Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.