The present invention is directed to reduce elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-.alpha.) found in a failing heart. The present invention is directed to a composition and method of regulating TNF-.alpha. expression in myocardial tissue by treating the myocardial tissue with biological equivalents of endogenous adenosine. A composition and method of using the composition to treat patients with damaged myocardial tissue is provided which increases the cellular availability of adenosine with a resulting decrease of TNF-.alpha. levels in the heart. The present invention provides a novel pharmacological intervention program in failing mammalian hearts, and more particularly provides a cardioprotective treatment to patients with congestive heart failure.