The hypotensive effect of intracarotid injections of adenosine triphosphate depends on its hydrolysis to adenosine.

The effects of intra-carotid injections of adenosine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and alpha-beta-methylene ATP were studied on arterial blood pressure of anaesthetized cats. Adenosine and ATP decreased arterial blood pressure, whilst the ATP stable analogue, alpha-beta-methylene ATP caused a dose-dependent increase in arterial blood pressure. These results suggest that the hypotensive action of ATP might depend on its previous hydrolysis into adenosine.