Compositions and methods for preventing restenosis following revascularization procedures

摘要

In the present invention, a method is provided which reduces or prevents restenosis following revascularization procedures. It has now been found that selective stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors can reduce or prevent such restenosis. This method may be achieved either by: (a) the administration of selective adenosine A2A receptor agonists, (b) the administration of a selective adenosine A1 antagonist in combination with either a selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist or a non-selective adenosine agonist, or (c) the administration of a selective adenosine A1 antagonist in order to block adenosine A1 receptor activation by endogenously-released adenosine. The present invention is also directed to an improved surgical procedure that relies upon selective stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors.