Characterization of CPCA-induced action on isolated rat femoral artery

Background Adenosine is a purine nucleoside, which modifies different physiological functions, including vascular tone in numerous blood vessels. This effect is a consequence of interaction between adenosine and specific adenosine A1, A2 or A3 receptors. Still, the relaxant effect of this endogenous nucleoside has been shown on some blood vessels to be mainly dependent on activation of adenosine A2 receptors that can be located on endothelial or smooth muscle cells. To examine this assumption the aim of this study was to determine the effects of CPCA (a selective adenosine A2 receptor agonist) on the isolated rat femoral artery and to establish whether potassium channels are involved in this action.