Adenosine is involved in a variety of processes, including the synthesis of urea, the anti-inflammatory response, and the inhibition of protein synthesis. The adenosine receptors, including adenosine A1-R, adenosine A2A-R, adenosine A2B-R, and adenosine A3-R, are integral membrane proteins that are members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. The A1-R protein mediates ureagenesis in a partially calcium-dependent manner. Adenosine is known to mediate coronary vasodilation via the A2A-R receptor. Collagen synthasis and total protein synthesis are inhibited in certain cells by adenosine, acting via the A2B receptors. Activation of the A3-R receptor inhibits the induction of the cytokine TNF(alpha) and blocks the endotoxin CD14 receptor signal transduction pathway.