What Is Adenosine?
Adenosine is a substance produced by the breakdown of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of energy in muscle and brain cells.
It is said to be one of the sleep substances. During the day, adenosine is produced when ATP is burned and broken down by muscle and brain cells as they work.
Caffeine is also used to inhibit the action of adenosine. In general, this is often the reason why caffeine is excluded from products intended to make people sleepy.
Uses of Adenosine
The principal uses of adenosine are:
1. Diagnosis of Cardiac Disease
Adenosine is not found in actively ingested items because it is a substance produced by the body through degradation. However, recent research has discovered agonists and antagonists for the receptors of adenosine, and their pharmacological and other effects have been clarified.
Among those that have reached practical application are drugs that apply load induction to diagnose heart disease. This will allow people who are unable to exercise to diagnose heart disease through myocardial blood flow scintigraphy.
However, when used to diagnose heart disease, it is also essential to be aware of side effects. The use of adenosine for stress induction can cause chest discomfort and excessive hypotension. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to deal with any side effects that may occur, such as measuring blood pressure and checking electrocardiograms during use.
2. Hair Growth Products
Adenosine has also been used in hair-growth agents in recent years. In addition to its hair-growth effects, it is also essential for hair-growth agents to regulate the hair cycle.
Adenosine is said to act on the papilla cells in human hair follicles to promote hair growth and regulate the hair cycle. For this reason, adenosine is used not only to diagnose heart disease but also in hair growth products.
3. Cosmetics
Adenosine is also used in cosmetics. Cosmetics containing adenosine can reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and wrinkles. Melamine is said to be a typical cause of skin spots and wrinkles, and is more likely to occur when skin turnover is disrupted.
To suppress spots and wrinkles, it is essential to regulate skin turnover and increase skin metabolism. Adenosine has been shown to increase skin metabolism, which is necessary to promote turnover.
Characteristics of Adenosine
Adenosine is a nucleotide consisting of adenosine and ribose bound together. The chemical formula of adenosine is C10H13N5O4. Adenosine is white in color.
It is soluble in water, but almost insoluble in ether. Its melting point is about 235°C and boiling point is 676.3°C. At room temperature (20°C), adenosine is a solid.
Other Information About Adenosine
1. How Adenosine Is Produced
Although adenosine is produced in the body of living organisms, it is possible to produce adenosine industrially by hydrolyzing nucleic acids.
For example, hydrolysis of ATP yields adenosine-5-phosphate (AMP) and pyrophosphate.
2. Precautions for Handling and Storing Adenosine
Precautions for handling and storage are as follows:
- Store in a dark and well-ventilated place in a light-shielded container.
- Avoid contact or mixing with strong oxidizing agents.
- Do not discharge into sewage or rivers when handling.
- Wear protective equipment when handling to prevent contact with eyes and mouth.
- Do not use near heat sources such as fire.