Adenosine inhibits other neurons in the brain Specifically it inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

This is correct.

Adenosine is an "autocoid" inhibitory neurotransmitter that generally protects the nervous system and other organs from being overstimulated or incurring damage due to other processes.

Substances such as caffeine (a xanthine stimulant) block adenosine receptors to result in increases of dopamine and glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitters).

In this way, adenosine's job in the CNS is to prevent overstimulation.

In the lungs, adenosine acts to decrease cAMP (cyclic-adenosine monophosphate) levels to induce bronchospasm.

In the heart, it acts on the AV (atrioventricular node) to induce transient heart block, and has a regulatory role in maintaining heart rhythm.

Answer 2

Yes, adenosine acts as an inhibitory neuromodulator in the brain by binding to its receptors and reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. This mechanism helps regulate neuronal activity and contributes to processes such as sleep-wake cycles and modulating arousal.