Antagonism of the anti-conflict effects of phenobarbital, but not diazepam, by the A-1 adenosine agonist l-PIA

Activation of adenosine A1 receptors reduces anxiety-like behavior during acute ethanol withdrawal (hangover) in mice

Elevated signs of anxiety are observed in both humans and rodents during withdrawal from chronic as well as acute ethanol exposure, and it represents an important motivational factor for ethanol relapse. Several reports have suggested the involvement of brain adenosine receptors in different actions produced by ethanol such as motor incoordination and hypnotic effects. In addition, we have recently demonstrated that adenosine A1 receptors modulate the anxiolytic-like effect induced by ethanol in mice. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of adenosine A1 and A2A receptor agonists in reducing the anxiety-like behavior during acute ethanol withdrawal (hangover) in mice. Animals received a single intraperitoneal administration of saline or ethanol (4 g/kg) and were tested in the elevated plus maze after an interval of 0.5-24 h. The results indicated that hangover-induced anxiety was most pronounced between 12 and 18 h after ethanol administration, as indicated by a significant reduction in the exploration of the open arms of the maze. At this time interval, ethanol was completely cleared. The acute administration of 'nonanxiolytic' doses of adenosine and the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), but not the adenosine A2A receptor agonist N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl]adenosine (DPMA), at the onset of peak withdrawal (18 h), reduced this anxiogenic-like response. In addition, the effect of CCPA on the anxiety-like behavior of ethanol hangover was reversed by pretreatment with the selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). These results reinforce the notion of the involvement of adenosine receptors in the anxiety-like responses and indicate the potential of adenosine A1 receptor agonists to reduce the anxiogenic effects during ethanol withdrawal.

Adenosine A1 receptors modulate the anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol in the elevated plus-maze in mice

The anxiolytic property of ethanol is generally accepted to be an important motivational factor for its consumption and the development of alcohol dependence. Recent studies suggest that adenosine receptors mediate important actions of ethanol, such as motor incoordination and hypnotic effects. In addition, several lines of evidence support the involvement of adenosine in anxiety. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of adenosine receptors in the anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol in mice. The effects of acute administration of the adenosine receptor antagonists caffeine (nonselective), 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, adenosine A1 receptor antagonist) and 4-(2-[7-amino-2-[2-furyl][1,2,4]triazolo-[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-yl-amino]ethyl)phenol (ZM241385, adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist), together with the adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), and their interaction with ethanol in the elevated plus-maze test in mice were studied. The highest doses of caffeine (30.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and DPCPX (6.0 mg/kg, i.p.) produced an anxiogenic-like effect, while CCPA administration (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) showed an anxiolytic-like activity. The prior administration of "non-anxiogenic" doses of caffeine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and DPCPX (3.0 mg/kg, i.p.), but not ZM241385 (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced the anxiolytic-like effect of ethanol (1.2 g/kg, i.p.). Moreover, anxiolytic-like response was observed by the co-administration of "non-anxiolytic" doses of CCPA (0.125 mg/kg) and ethanol (0.6 g/kg). These results reinforce the involvement of adenosine in anxiety and suggest that the activation of adenosine A1 receptors, but not adenosine A(2A) receptors, mediate the anxiolytic-like effect induced by ethanol in mice.

The neurobiology and control of anxious states

Fear is an adaptive component of the acute "stress" response to potentially-dangerous (external and internal) stimuli which threaten to perturb homeostasis. However, when disproportional in intensity, chronic and/or irreversible, or not associated with any genuine risk, it may be symptomatic of a debilitating anxious state: for example, social phobia, panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder. In view of the importance of guaranteeing an appropriate emotional response to aversive events, it is not surprising that a diversity of mechanisms are involved in the induction and inhibition of anxious states. Apart from conventional neurotransmitters, such as monoamines, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, many other modulators have been implicated, including: adenosine, cannabinoids, numerous neuropeptides, hormones, neurotrophins, cytokines and several cellular mediators. Accordingly, though benzodiazepines (which reinforce transmission at GABA(A) receptors), serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptor agonists and 5-HT reuptake inhibitors are currently the principle drugs employed in the management of anxiety disorders, there is considerable scope for the development of alternative therapies. In addition to cellular, anatomical and neurochemical strategies, behavioral models are indispensable for the characterization of anxious states and their modulation. Amongst diverse paradigms, conflict procedures--in which subjects experience opposing impulses of desire and fear--are of especial conceptual and therapeutic pertinence. For example, in the Vogel Conflict Test (VCT), the ability of drugs to release punishment-suppressed drinking behavior is evaluated. In reviewing the neurobiology of anxious states, the present article focuses in particular upon: the multifarious and complex roles of individual modulators, often as a function of the specific receptor type and neuronal substrate involved in their actions; novel targets for the management of anxiety disorders; the influence of neurotransmitters and other agents upon performance in the VCT; data acquired from complementary pharmacological and genetic strategies and, finally, several open questions likely to orientate future experimental- and clinical-research. In view of the recent proliferation of mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis, modulation and, potentially, treatment of anxiety disorders, this is an opportune moment to survey their functional and pathophysiological significance, and to assess their influence upon performance in the VCT and other models of potential anxiolytic properties.

The involvement of adenosine receptors in the effect of dizocilpine on mice in the elevated plus-maze

It has been claimed that blockade of receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) can enhance adenosine receptor function on single neurones. Previous work has also indicated that the NMDA channel blocker dizocilpine, and the A1 selective agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) both had anxiolytic profiles in the elevated plus-maze. The anxiolytic effect of dizocilpine was accompanied by an increase in locomotor activity. In the present study, the elevated plus-maze has been used to determine whether dizocilpine's effects on behaviour are mediated through activation of adenosine receptors. When co-administered with dizocilpine (0.05 mg/kg), CPA (0.05 mg/kg) reduced the anxiolytic and locomotor effects of dizocilpine. The A1 selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (CPX, 0.05 mg/kg) had no effect when administered alone. When co-administered with dizocilpine, CPX reversed the anxiolytic and increased locomotor effects induced by dizocilpine. The A2 receptor selective agonist N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2(2-methylphenyl)ethyladenosine (DPMA) (1 mg/kg) reversed both the anxiolytic effect and the increased locomotion induced by dizocilpine, while the A2 selective antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX) (1 mg/kg) did not. It is concluded that at least part of the anxiolytic and locomotor stimulant properties of dizocilpine may be explained by the release of endogenous adenosine acting at A1, but not A2 receptors.

Concurrent positive and negative goalbox events produce runway behaviors comparable to those of cocaine-reinforced rats

Rats traversing a straight-alley for reinforcing stimuli typically exhibit faster running times as training proceeds. In previous work from this laboratory, animals running for a reinforcement consisting of intravenous infusions of cocaine, unexpectedly demonstrated a progressive increased time to enter the goalbox over trials. Closer observation revealed that the animals were exhibiting a unique retreat behavior (i.e., stopping their forward advance toward the goalbox and returning toward the startbox). It was hypothesized that the retreat behavior reflected an inherent conflict that originated from concurrent positive and negative associations with the goalbox. Such associations were attributed to cocaine's dual and well documented reinforcing and anxiogenic effects. To test this idea, the present study compared the runway behavior of animals that concurrently received food and mild foot shock in the goalbox to the behavior of the other animals running for cocaine. Results demonstrated that food + shock reinforced animals took longer to enter the goalbox and made more retreats than a control group that received only food in the goalbox. Both these effects were reversed by pretreatment with the anticonflict, anxiolytic drug, diazepam. The behavior pattern of animals that received the combination of food and footshock was found to strongly resemble that of IV cocaine-reinforced rats, a result consistent with the notion that chronic cocaine administration has both positive and negative consequences.

Anxiolytic activity of adenosine receptor activation in mice

1. Purine analogues have been examined for anxiolytic- and anxiogenic-like activity in mice, by use of the elevated plus-maze. 2. The selective A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) had marked anxiolytic-like activity at 10 and 50 microg kg(-1), with no effect on locomotor performance at these doses. 3. The A1 selective adenosine receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (CPX) had no significant effect on anxiety-related measures or locomotor behaviour, but blocked the anxiolytic-like activity of CPA. The hydrophilic xanthine, 8-(p-sulphophenyl) theophylline did not prevent anxiolysis by CPA. 4. Caffeine had anxiogenic-like activity at 30 mg kg(-1) which was prevented by CPA at 50 micro kg(-1). 5. The A2 receptor agonist, N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2(2-methylphenyl)-ethyl]adenosine (DPMA) had no effect on anxiety behaviour but depressed locomotor activity at the highest dose tested of 1 mg kg(-1). The A2 receptor antagonist, 1,3-dimethyl-l-propargylxanthine (DMPX) had no effect on anxiety-related measures or locomotion and did not modify the anxiolytic-like activity of CPA. 6. Administration of DPMA in combination with anxiolytic doses of CPA prevented the anxiolytic-like activity of the latter. 7. The results suggest that the selective activation of central A1 adenosine receptors induces anxiolytic-like behaviour, while the activation of A2 sites causes locomotor depression and reduces the effects of A1 receptor activation. The absence of any effect of CPX alone suggests that the receptors involved in modulating behaviour in the elevated plus-maze in mice are not activated tonically by endogenous adenosine.

Different influences of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on morphine antinociception in mice

1. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine to mice induced a dose-dependent antinociception. 2. Pretreatment of animals with adenosine receptor antagonists NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine) and L-PIA (N6-phenylisopropyladenosine) potentiated, while adenosine agonist CHA (N6-cyclohexyladenosine) decreased the morphine response. 3. Adenosine antagonist theophylline decreased, but adenosine receptor antagonist 8-PT (8-phenyltheophylline) increased the antinociception effect of morphine. Inhibitory effect of CHA on morphine antinociception was also reversed by 8-PT pretreatment. 4. NECA or L-PIA induced a high degree of antinociceptive effect in animals pretreated with 8-PT. 5. Dipyridamole pretreatment did not alter the effect of morphine. 6. It is concluded that A-1 and/or A-2 adenosine receptors are involved in morphine antinociception and the adenosine mechanism(s) may exert a modulatory role in this respect.

Effects of chronic administration of adenosine A1 receptor agonist and antagonist on spatial learning and memory

Spatial memory acquisition in Morris water maze was tested in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were injected once daily with different doses of either N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) or 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX). Drugs were administered for 9 days either concurrently with water maze testing (drugs injected 1 h after each trial), or prior to the entire block of trials. In the latter case, 1 day without injections preceded water maze experiments. Chronic administration of CPA resulted in a significant, dose-dependent reduction of target latencies, rapid development of spatial preference, and the absence of animals unable to perform the task. CPX treated animals did not show significant performance changes, and failed to develop spatial preference. Locomotor disturbances were not the cause of the observed effects. Our results indicate that chronic treatment with agents acting at adenosine A1 receptors results in behavioral effects that are significantly different from those observed following their acute administration. Therefore, particular caution is required in development of adenosine-based strategies targeted at neurodegenerative or cognitive disorders in which chronic treatment is advocated.

Centrally acting drugs act as conditioned stimuli in a conditioned suppression of drinking task

An experiment was conducted to test whether centrally acting drugs could act as conditioned stimuli (CS) in a classical conditioning paradigm in which electric shock acted as the unconditioned stimulus (US) and suppression of drinking was used as an indicator of a conditioned response (CR). Thirsty rats were allowed to drink water during daily classical conditioning sessions which took place in their home cages. The CS was either a drug injected before the session or a "cocktail" of sensory stimuli (light + tone + vibration) turned on at the beginning of the session. Part way through some sessions the animals received electric foot shock as the US. Two different drugs and the sensory cocktail were used as CSs in a discriminated classical conditioning paradigm in which one drug or stimulus (the CS+) predicted the subsequent occurrence of shock, and the other two conditions acted as CS- stimuli and predicted absence of shock. After an average of 5.7 pairings of the CS+ with shock, conditioned suppression of drinking was observed; the CR occurred only during tests preceded by the CS+ drug or stimulus. At one time or another during the experiment, pentobarbital, phencyclidine, morphine, and pentylenetetrazol were employed as the CS+. Each acquired the ability to elicit a CR, although pentobarbital was noticeably less effective than the other three drugs. All conditioning trials took place in hanging metal cages, but the CR generalized into plastic cages with sawdust floors. Each rat received three successive phases of conditioning with a different CS+ condition employed in each phase; each phase of conditioning was followed by extinction of the CR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of benzodiazepine administration on A1 adenosine receptor binding in-vivo and ex-vivo

The adenosine receptor has been implicated in the central mechanism of action of benzodiazepines. The specific binding of an A1-selective adenosine antagonist radioligand, [3H]8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, was measured in-vivo in mice treated with alprazolam (2 mg kg-1, i.p.), lorazepam (2 mg kg-1, i.p.) and vehicle. Binding studies were performed in-vivo and ex-vivo in mice receiving continuous infusion of alprazolam (2 mg kg-1 day-1), lorazepam (2 mg kg-1 day-1) and vehicle by mini-osmotic pumps for 6 days. Continuous infusion of alprazolam and lorazepam significantly decreased specific binding by 34 and 53%, respectively, compared with vehicle treatment (P less than 0.01). Single doses of alprazolam and lorazepam induced a similar trend in specific binding in-vivo (P = 0.07). There were no alterations in A1-receptor density (Bmax) or affinity (Kd) in cortex, hippocampus or brainstem in ex-vivo studies. Benzodiazepine treatment may diminish A1- receptor binding in-vivo by inhibiting adenosine uptake or by direct occupancy of the A1 adenosine receptor recognition site.