5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine

5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) is a potent, stable, and nonselective adenosine receptor agonist primarily used as a research tool. It acts on all four adenosine receptor subtypes: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. NECA is significantly more potent than adenosine itself, particularly as a vasodilator, and has been extensively studied for its roles in cardiovascular, respiratory, and immunological research. Its biological effects include vasodilation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and immunosuppression. Mechanistically, NECA reduces oxidative stress, inhibits the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-18 and TNF-α, and blocks the activation of the JNK-MAPK pathway. While it has been investigated in preclinical models for conditions like endometrial carcinoma metastasis and hypoxia-related cellular responses, it is not currently a branded pharmaceutical product in clinical development and is primarily available through research chemical suppliers.

Other names

Adenosine 5'-ethylcarboxamide5'-(N-Ethylcarboxamido)adenosine