Abstract: Novel compounds which selectively inhibit adenosine kinase and methods of preparing adenosine kinase inhibitors are provided. Also provided are methods of treating various conditions which may be ameliorated by increased local concentrations of adenosine using adenosine kinase inhibitors.

Abstract: Methods of preventing tissue damage associated with decreased blood flow in a human by administering AICA riboside or a prodrug thereof in an amount which provides a blood plasma concentration of between 1 .mu.g/ml and 20 .mu.g/ml of AICA riboside for a time sufficient to reduce the risk of said tissue damage in said human. Methods of preventing an adverse clinical outcome, such as an adverse cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular event, in a patient at risk for such outcome by administering AICA riboside or a prodrug thereof in an amount which provides a blood plasma concentration of between 1 .mu.g/ml and 20 .mu.g/ml of AICA riboside for a time sufficient to reduce the risk for said patient.

Abstract: Analogs of 5-amino-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICA riboside) are provided which are useful in increasing extracellular levels of adenosine.

Abstract: Methods for protecting tissues and organs including the heart central nervous system, and kidney from ischemic damage are described and claimed based upon the recognition that protection against infarction is mediated by A3 rather than A1 adenosine receptors, as was previously thought, and that the receptor mediating protection in other organs and tissues has not been defined. Methods for selectively stimulating A3 adenosine receptors are described and claimed, as such selection is shown to prevent or substantially reduce cell death resulting from ischemia with or without reperfusion in humans. According to this invention, the A3 adenosine receptor is selectively stimulated by administering a compound which is an A3 adenosine receptor-selective agonist. Prevention of tissue death is also achieved by administering a compound which is a non-selective adenosine receptor agonist together with compounds that act as antagonists to the A1 and A2 adenosine receptor.