adenosine receptor subtype A3, member of the class A family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors
The A3 receptor, a member of the adenosine receptor family of G protein-coupled receptors, is coupled to G proteins of the inhibitory G(i) family, which lead to inhibition of adenylate cyclase and thereby lowering the intracellular cAMP levels. The A3 receptor has a sustained protective function in the heart during cardiac ischemia and contributes to inhibition of neutrophil degranulation in neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. Moreover, activation of A3 receptor by adenosine protects astrocytes from cell death induced by hypoxia.