A2 adenosine receptors: their presence and neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system

ADORA(1)-driven brain-sympathetic neuro-adipose connections control body weight and adipose lipid metabolism

It is essential to elucidate brain-adipocyte interactions in order to tackle obesity and its comorbidities, as the precise control of brain-adipose tissue cross-talk is crucial for energy and glucose homeostasis. Recent studies show that in the peripheral adipose tissue, adenosine induces adipogenesis through peripheral adenosine A₁ receptor (pADORA₁) signaling; however, it remains unclear whether systemic and adipose tissue metabolism would also be under the control of central (c) ADORA₁ signaling. Here, we use tissue-specific pharmacology and metabolic tools to clarify the roles of cADORA₁ signaling in energy and adipocyte physiology. We found that cADORA₁ signaling reduces body weight while also inducing adipose tissue lipolysis. cADORA₁ signaling also increases adipose tissue sympathetic norepinephrine content. In contrast, pADORA₁ signaling facilitates a high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO). We propose here a novel mechanism in which cADORA₁ and pADORA₁ signaling hinder and aggravate DIO, respectively.

Adenosine Actions on Oligodendroglia and Myelination in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. Independent of neuronal dysfunction, ASD and its associated comorbidities have been linked to hypomyelination and oligodendroglial dysfunction. Additionally, the neuromodulator adenosine has been shown to affect certain ASD comorbidities and symptoms, such as epilepsy, impairment of cognitive function, and anxiety. Adenosine is both directly and indirectly responsible for regulating the development of oligodendroglia and myelination through its interaction with, and modulation of, several neurotransmitters, including glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin. In this review, we will focus on the recent discoveries in adenosine interaction with physiological and pathophysiological activities of oligodendroglia and myelination, as well as ASD-related aspects of adenosine actions on neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. Moreover, we will discuss the potential therapeutic value and clinical approaches of adenosine manipulation against hypomyelination in ASD.

Activation processes in ligand-activated G protein-coupled receptors: A case study of the adenosine A2A receptor

Here we review concepts related to an ensemble description of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The ensemble is characterized by both inactive and active states, whose equilibrium populations and exchange rates depend sensitively on ligand, environment, and allosteric factors. This review focuses on the adenosine A₂ receptor (A_2A R), a prototypical class A GPCR. ¹⁹ F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies show that apo A_2A R is characterized by a broad ensemble of conformers, spanning inactive to active states, and resembling states defined earlier for rhodopsin. In keeping with ideas associated with a conformational selection mechanism, addition of agonist serves to allosterically restrict the overall degrees of freedom at the G protein binding interface and bias both states and functional dynamics to facilitate G protein binding and subsequent activation. While the ligand does not necessarily "induce" activation, it does bias sampling of states, increase the cooperativity of the activation process and thus, the lifetimes of functional activation intermediates, while restricting conformational dynamics to that needed for activation.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Adenosine A2A Receptor Ligands and Opportunities for A2A Receptor Imaging

Adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2A Rs) are highly expressed in the human striatum, and at lower densities in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampus, and cells of the immune system. Antagonists of these receptors are potentially useful for the treatment of motor fluctuations, epilepsy, postischemic brain damage, or cognitive impairment, and for the control of an immune checkpoint during immunotherapy of cancer. A_2A R agonists may suppress transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease; be used to treat inflammatory disorders such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis; be locally applied to promote wound healing and be employed in a strategy for transient opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) so that therapeutic drugs and monoclonal antibodies can enter the brain. Increasing A_2A R signaling in adipose tissue is also a potential strategy to combat obesity. Several radioligands for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of A_2A Rs have been developed in recent years. This review article presents a critical overview of the potential therapeutic applications of A_2A R ligands, the use of A_2A R imaging in drug development, and opportunities and limitations of PET imaging in future research.

Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate promote rat cortical neurons survival and neurite outgrowth through the adenosine A2a receptor/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (MDHB), a kind of phenolic acid compounds, has been reported to have antioxidant effects. Moreover, our previous study found that it could promote neurite outgrowth and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in cortical neurons of neonatal rats. In the present study, we focused on the mechanism of its neurotrophic effect; the results showed that MDHB-induced upregulation of neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth in cultured primary cortical neurons could be blocked by the adenosine A2a receptor inhibitor (ZM241385) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002). Subsequently, we found that the upregulation of Akt phosphorylation by MDHB could be suppressed by A2a-R and PI3K-specific inhibitor, but not the Trk-R inhibitor. Furthermore, MDHB could activate Akt in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggested that activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may be involved in the MDHB-induced neurotrophic effects and MDHB could be a candidate compound to develop drugs for neurodegenerative disease.

Real time adenosine fluctuations detected with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the rat striatum and motor cortex

BACKGROUND

Adenosine serves many functions within the CNS, including inhibitory and excitatory control of neurotransmission. The understanding of adenosine dynamics in the brain is of fundamental importance. The goal of the present study was to explore subsecond adenosine fluctuations in the rat brain in vivo.

METHOD

Long Evans rats were anesthetized and a carbon fiber electrode was positioned in the motor cortex or dorsal striatum. Real time electrochemical recordings were made at the carbon fiber electrodes every 100ms by applying a triangular waveform (-0.4 to +1.5V, 400V/s). Adenosine spikes were identified by the background-subtracted cyclic voltammogram.

RESULTS

The frequency of detected adenosine spikes was relatively stable in both tested regions, and the time intervals between spikes were regular and lasted from 1 to 5s within an animal. Spike frequency ranged from 0.5 to 1.5Hz in both the motor cortex and the dorsal striatum. Average spike amplitudes were 85±11 and 66±7nM for the motor cortex and the dorsal striatum, respectively.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

The current study established that adenosine signaling can operate on a fast time scale (within seconds) to modulate brain functions.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding suggests that spontaneous adenosine release may play a fast, dynamic role in regulating an organism's response to external events. Therefore, adenosine transmission in the brain may have characteristics similar to those of classical neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Modulation of Ca2+-currents by sequential and simultaneous activation of adenosine A1 and A 2A receptors in striatal projection neurons

D(1)- and D(2)-types of dopamine receptors are located separately in direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs). In comparison, adenosine A(1)-type receptors are located in both neuron classes, and adenosine A(2A)-type receptors show a preferential expression in iSPNs. Due to their importance for neuronal excitability, Ca(2+)-currents have been used as final effectors to see the function of signaling cascades associated with different G protein-coupled receptors. For example, among many other actions, D(1)-type receptors increase, while D(2)-type receptors decrease neuronal excitability by either enhancing or reducing, respectively, CaV1 Ca(2+)-currents. These actions occur separately in dSPNs and iSPNs. In the case of purinergic signaling, the actions of A(1)- and A(2A)-receptors have not been compared observing their actions on Ca(2+)-channels of SPNs as final effectors. Our hypotheses are that modulation of Ca(2+)-currents by A(1)-receptors occurs in both dSPNs and iSPNs. In contrast, iSPNs would exhibit modulation by both A(1)- and A2A-receptors. We demonstrate that A(1)-type receptors reduced Ca(2+)-currents in all SPNs tested. However, A(2A)-type receptors enhanced Ca(2+)-currents only in half tested neurons. Intriguingly, to observe the actions of A(2A)-type receptors, occupation of A(1)-type receptors had to occur first. However, A(1)-receptors decreased Ca(V)2 Ca(2+)-currents, while A(2A)-type receptors enhanced current through Ca(V)1 channels. Because these channels have opposing actions on cell discharge, these differences explain in part why iSPNs may be more excitable than dSPNs. It is demonstrated that intrinsic voltage-gated currents expressed in SPNs are effectors of purinergic signaling that therefore play a role in excitability.

The role of adenosine receptor agonist and antagonist on Hippocampal MDMA detrimental effects; a structural and behavioral study

There is abundant evidence showing that repeated use of MDMA (3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy) has been associated with depression, anxiety and deficits in learning and memory, suggesting detrimental effects on hippocampus. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside that has a neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system. In the present study, we investigated the role of A2a adenosine receptors agonist (CGS) and antagonist (SCH) on the body temperature, learning deficits, and hippocampal cell death induced by MDMA administration. In this study, 63 adult, male, Sprague - Dawley rats were subjected to MDMA (10 and 20 mg/kg) followed by intraperitoneal CGS (0.03 mg/kg) or SCH (0.03 mg/kg) injection. The animals were tested for spatial learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) task performance, accompanied by a recording of body temperature, electron microscopy and stereological study. Our results showed that MDMA treatment increased body temperature significantly, and impaired the ability of rats to locate the hidden platform(P < 0.05). The number of hippocampal dark neurons also increased especially in CA1. These impairments were aggravated by co-administration of A2a antagonist (SCH) with MDMA. Furthermore, the administration of the A2a receptor agonist (CGS) provided partial protection against MWM deficits and hippocampal cell death(P < 0.05). This study provides for the first time evidence that, in contrast to A2a antagonist (SCH) effects, co-administration of A2a agonist (CGS) with MDMA can protect against MDMA hippocampal neurotoxic effects; providing a potential value in the prevention of learning deficits observed in MDMA users. However, the exact mechanism of these interactions requires further studies.

Purinergic modulation of the excitatory synaptic input onto rat striatal neurons

There is no in situ evidence hitherto for a modulation by ATP of the glutamatergic excitatory transmission onto medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the rat striatum. In order to resolve this question, we used the patch-clamp technique in brain slice preparations to record excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked by intrastriatal electrical stimulation and applied N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) to activate transmembrane currents of MSNs. In the absence of external Mg(2+), ATP caused a higher maximum inhibition of the EPSCs than adenosine. Only P1 (A(1)), but not P2 receptor antagonists interfered with the effects of both ATP and adenosine. Moreover, A(1) receptor antagonists were less potent in blocking the inhibition by ATP than that by adenosine. Eventually, adenosine deaminase (ADA) almost abolished the adenosine-induced inhibition, but only moderately decreased the ATP-induced inhibition. Antagonists of A(1) receptors (but not of P2 receptors) counteracted the depression by ATP of the current responses to exogenous NMDA, without altering those to AMPA. It is suggested that ATP indirectly, via its degradation product adenosine, stimulates presynaptic inhibitory A(1) receptors situated at glutamatergic nerve terminals of striatal afferents; these nerve terminals are devoid of P2 receptors. However, ATP, in contrast to adenosine, also activates postsynaptic A(1) receptors at the MSN neurons themselves. The resulting negative interaction with NMDA receptors requires localized extracellular catabolism of ATP by ectonucleotidases.

Activation of adenosine A2A receptor up-regulates BDNF expression in rat primary cortical neurons

As a member of neurotrophin family, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays critical roles in neuronal development, differentiation, synaptogenesis, and neural protection from the harmful stimuli. There have been reported that adenosine A2(A) receptor subtype is widely distributed in the brain regions, such as hippocampus, striatum, and cortex. Adenosine A2(A) receptor is colocalized with BDNF in brain regions and the functional interaction between A2(A) receptor stimulation and BDNF action has been suggested. In this study, we investigated the possibility that the activation of A2(A) receptor modulates BDNF production in rat primary cortical neuron. CGS21680, an adenosine A2(A) receptor agonist, induced BDNF expression and release. An antagonist against A2(A) receptor, ZM241385, prevented CGS21680-induced increase in BDNF production. A2(A) receptor stimulation induced the activation of Akt-GSK-3β signaling pathway and the blockade of the signaling pathway with specific inhibitors abolished the increase in BDNF production, possibly via modulation of ERK1/2-CREB pathway. The physiological roles of A2(A) receptor-induced BDNF production was demonstrated by the protection of neurons from the excitotoxicity and increased neurite extension as well as synapse formation from immature and mature neurons. Taken together, activation of A2(A) receptor regulates BDNF production in rat cortical neuron, which provides neuro-protective action.

The hydrolysis of striatal adenine- and guanine-based purines in a 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra and a striatal dopamine decrease. Striatal extracellular adenosine and ATP modulate the dopaminergic neurotransmission whereas guanosine has a protective role in the brain. Therefore, the regulation of their levels by enzymatic activity may be relevant to the clinical feature of PD. Here it was evaluated the extracellular nucleotide hydrolysis from striatal slices 4 weeks after a unilateral infusion with 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle. This infusion increased ADP, AMP, and GTP hydrolysis by 15, 25, and 41%, respectively, and decreased GDP hydrolysis by 60%. There was no change in NTPDases1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 5'-nucleotidase transcription. Dopamine depletion changes nucleotide hydrolysis and, therefore, alters the regulation of striatal nucleotide levels. These changes observed in 6-OHDA-lesioned animals may contribute to the symptoms observed in the model and provide evidence to indicate that extracellular purine hydrolysis is a key factor in understanding PD, giving hints for new therapies.

Adenosine A(2A) receptors in psychopharmacology: modulators of behavior, mood and cognition

The adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) is in the center of a neuromodulatory network affecting a wide range of neuropsychiatric functions by interacting with and integrating several neurotransmitter systems, especially dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. These interactions and integrations occur at multiple levels, including (1) direct receptor- receptor cross-talk at the cell membrane, (2) intracellular second messenger systems, (3) trans-synaptic actions via striatal collaterals or interneurons in the striatum, (4) and interactions at the network level of the basal ganglia. Consequently, A(2A)Rs constitute a novel target to modulate various psychiatric conditions. In the present review we will first summarize the molecular interaction of adenosine receptors with other neurotransmitter systems and then discuss the potential applications of A(2A)R agonists and antagonists in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, such as psychostimulant action, drug addiction, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and learning and memory.

Adenosine A2A receptors and their role in drug addiction

The specific events between initial presumably manageable drug intake and the development of a drug- addicted state are not yet known. Drugs of abuse have varying mechanisms of action that create a complex pattern of behaviour related to drug consumption, drug-seeking, withdrawal and relapse. The neuromodulator adenosine has been shown to play a role in reward-related behaviour, both as an independent mediator and via interactions of adenosine receptors with other receptors. Adenosine levels are elevated upon exposure to drugs of abuse and adenosine A2A receptors are enriched in brain nuclei known for their involvement in the processing of drug-related reinforcement processing. A2A receptors are found in receptor clusters with dopamine and glutamate receptors. A2A receptors are thus ideally situated to influence the signalling of neurotransmitters relevant in the neuronal responses and plasticity that underlie the development of drug taking and drug-seeking behaviour. In this review, we present evidence for the role of adenosine and A2A receptors in drug addiction, thereby providing support for current efforts aimed at developing drug therapies to combat substance abuse that target adenosine signalling via A2A receptors.

Adenosine suppresses exocytosis from cone terminals of the salamander retina

In the retina, adenosine is released in the dark and has been shown to inhibit Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in cones. Therefore, we tested whether adenosine can inhibit exocytosis from isolated cone photoreceptors. Simultaneous measurements of membrane exocytosis and Ca2+ were made from cones using the activity-dependent dye, Synaptored-C2, and the Ca2+ indicator dye, Fluo-4. Adenosine suppressed exocytosis in cones, indicating that transmitter release is also reduced from cone terminals, and further supports an inhibitory mechanism for modulating transmitter release onto second-order neurons. Furthermore, this raises the possibility that adenosine might be neuroprotective for photoreceptors and second-order neurons by suppressing Ca2+ levels in cones and reducing exocytosis of L-glutamate, respectively.

Recovery of respiratory activity after C2 hemisection (C2HS): involvement of adenosinergic mechanisms

Consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) depend on the level and extent of injury. Cervical SCI often results in a compromised respiratory system. Primary treatment of SCI patients with respiratory insufficiency continues to be with mechanical ventilatory support. In an animal model of SCI, an upper cervical spinal cord hemisection paralyzes the hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to the side of injury. However, a latent respiratory motor pathway can be activated to restore respiratory function after injury. In this review, restoration of respiratory activity following systemic administration of theophylline, a respiratory stimulant will be discussed. Pharmacologically, theophylline is a non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and a bronchodilator. It has been used in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in treatment of apnea in premature infants. However, the clinical use of theophylline to improve respiration in SCI patients with respiratory deficits is a more recent approach. This review will focus on the use of theophylline to restore respiratory activity in an animal model of SCI. In this model, a C2 hemisection (C2HS) interrupts the major descending respiratory pathways and paralyzes the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. The review also highlights involvement of central and peripheral adenosine receptors in functional restitution. Biochemical binding assays that highlight changes in adenosine receptors after chronic theophylline administration are discussed as they pertain to understanding adenosine receptor-mediation in functional recovery. Finally, the clinical application of theophylline in SCI patients with respiratory deficits in particular is discussed.

Characterization of the potent and highly selective A2A receptor antagonists preladenant and SCH 412348 [7-[2-[4-2,4-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-2-(2-furanyl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine] in rodent models of movement disorders and depression

The adenosine A(2A) receptor has been implicated in the underlying biology of various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and depression. Preladenant and SCH 412348 [7-[2-[4-2,4-difluorophenyl]-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-2-(2-furanyl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine] are potent competitive antagonists of the human A(2A) receptor (K(i) = 1.1 and 0.6 nM, respectively) and have >1000-fold selectivity over all other adenosine receptors, making these compounds the most selective A(2A) receptor antagonists reported to date. Both compounds attenuate hypolocomotion induced by the A(2A) receptor agonist CGS-21680 [2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine], suggesting that they inhibit A(2A) receptor activity in vivo. Their high degree of selectivity and robust in vivo activity make preladenant and SCH 412348 useful tools to investigate the role of the A(2A) receptor system in animal models of PD and depression. Oral administration of preladenant and SCH 412348 (0.1-1 mg/kg) to rats potentiated 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-Dopa)-induced contralateral rotations after 6-hydroxydopamine lesions in the medial forebrain bundle and potently attenuated the cataleptic effects of haloperidol. Preladenant (1 mg/kg) inhibited L-Dopa-induced behavioral sensitization after repeated daily administration, which suggests a reduced risk of the development of dyskinesias. Finally, preladenant and SCH 412348 exhibited antidepressant-like profiles in models of behavioral despair, namely the mouse tail suspension test and the mouse and rat forced swim test. These studies demonstrate that preladenant and SCH 412348 are potent and selective A(2A) receptor antagonists and provide further evidence of the potential therapeutic benefits of A(2A) receptor inhibition in PD (with reduced risk of dyskinesias) and depression (one of the primary nonmotor symptoms of PD).

Adenosine receptors and neurological disease: neuroprotection and neurodegeneration

Adenosine receptors modulate neuronal and synaptic function in a range of ways that may make them relevant to the occurrence, development and treatment of brain ischemic damage and degenerative disorders. A(1) adenosine receptors tend to suppress neural activity by a predominantly presynaptic action, while A(2A) adenosine receptors are more likely to promote transmitter release and postsynaptic depolarization. A variety of interactions have also been described in which adenosine A(1) or A(2) adenosine receptors can modify cellular responses to conventional neurotransmitters or receptor agonists such as glutamate, NMDA, nitric oxide and P2 purine receptors. Part of the role of adenosine receptors seems to be in the regulation of inflammatory processes that often occur in the aftermath of a major insult or disease process. All of the adenosine receptors can modulate the release of cytokines such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor-alpha from immune-competent leukocytes and glia. When examined directly as modifiers of brain damage, A(1) adenosine receptor (AR) agonists, A(2A)AR agonists and antagonists, as well as A(3)AR antagonists, can protect against a range of insults, both in vitro and in vivo. Intriguingly, acute and chronic treatments with these ligands can often produce diametrically opposite effects on damage outcome, probably resulting from adaptational changes in receptor number or properties. In some cases molecular approaches have identified the involvement of ERK and GSK-3beta pathways in the protection from damage. Much evidence argues for a role of adenosine receptors in neurological disease. Receptor densities are altered in patients with Alzheimer's disease, while many studies have demonstrated effects of adenosine and its antagonists on synaptic plasticity in vitro, or on learning adequacy in vivo. The combined effects of adenosine on neuronal viability and inflammatory processes have also led to considerations of their roles in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis, as well as the brain damage associated with stroke. In addition to the potential pathological relevance of adenosine receptors, there are earnest attempts in progress to generate ligands that will target adenosine receptors as therapeutic agents to treat some of these disorders.

Modulation of adenylyl cyclase activity in rat striatal homogenate by dopaminergic receptors

We have characterized the modulation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity by ligands of dopaminergic receptors in rat striatal homogenate and compared the results with receptor-ligand binding affinities. Despite the fact that rat striatum contains high level of both dopamine D(1) and D(2) receptors, only the D(1)-specific AC activation by agonists could be determined. All D(1)-receptor agonists (dopamine, dihydrexidine, and A 77636) used were able to increase cAMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner, while D(1)-receptor antagonists (SCH23390, SKF83566, and butaclamol) blocked the effects induced by the aforementioned agonists. At the same time, the D(2)-receptor agonist quinpirole and antagonist sulpiride had no effect on cAMP accumulation in striatal homogenate neither on the basal level nor on the activated level of AC, while inhibited [(3)H]raclopride binding to these membranes. Comparing the ligands of the D(1) receptor in modulating the activity of AC and displacing D(1)-receptor-specific radioligand [(3)H]SCH23390 binding revealed that the ligands modulate both of these processes with similar affinities. It indicates that under given experimental conditions, only dopamine D(1)-receptor-mediated stimulation of AC activity can be measured in membrane homogenate of rat striatum, while dopamine D(2)-receptor effects remain fully hidden.

The effects of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists on haloperidol-induced movement disorders in primates

RATIONALE

Adenosine and dopamine interact within the striatum to control striatopallidal output and globus pallidus GABA release. Manipulating striatal adenosine transmission via blockade of the A2A receptor subtype can compensate for the reduced dopamine activity within the striatum that underlies movement disorders such as antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Preclinical studies in the rat have demonstrated that adenosine A2A receptor antagonists can attenuate behaviors reflecting reduced dopamine activity, such as haloperidol-induced catalepsy and hypoactivity.

OBJECTIVES

In the present studies using nonhuman primates, adenosine antagonists were tested against haloperidol-induced EPS in Cebus apella and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in Saimiri sciureus (squirrel monkey). Specifically, the A2A receptor antagonists, SCH 412348 (0.3-30 mg/kg PO) and KW-6002 (3-100 mg/kg PO); the A1/A2A receptor antagonist, caffeine (1-30 mg/kg PO and IM); and the A1 receptor antagonist, DPCPX (3-30 mg/kg PO) were tested in at least one of these models.

RESULTS

SCH 412348 (10-30 mg/kg), KW-6002 (57-100 mg/kg), and caffeine (30 mg/kg) significantly increased the time to EPS onset. Additionally, SCH 412348, KW-6002, and caffeine afforded protection from the onset of EPS for at least 6 h in some of the primates. SCH 412348 (10 mg/kg) and caffeine (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced haloperidol-induced catalepsy. DPCPX produced a very slight attenuation of EPS at 30 mg/kg, but had no effect on catalepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that adenosine A2A receptor antagonists may represent an effective treatment for the motor impairments associated with both antipsychotic-induced EPS and PD.

The role of ATP and adenosine in the brain under normoxic and ischemic conditions

By taking advantage of some recently synthesized compounds that are able to block ecto-ATPase activity, we demonstrated that adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the hippocampus exerts an inhibitory action independent of its degradation to adenosine. In addition, tonic activation of P2 receptors contributes to the normally recorded excitatory neurotransmission. The role of P2 receptors becomes critical during ischemia when extracellular ATP concentrations increase. Under such conditions, P2 antagonism is protective. Although ATP exerts a detrimental role under ischemia, it also exerts a trophic role in terms of cell division and differentiation. We recently reported that ATP is spontaneously released from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in culture. Moreover, it decreases hMSC proliferation rate at early stages of culture. Increased hMSC differentiation could account for an ATP-induced decrease in cell proliferation. ATP as a homeostatic regulator might exert a different effect on cell trophism according to the rate of its efflux and receptor expression during the cell life cycle. During ischemia, adenosine formed by intracellular ATP escapes from cells through the equilibrative transporter. The protective role of adenosine A(1) receptors during ischemia is well accepted. However, the use of selective A(1) agonists is hampered by unwanted peripheral effects, thus attention has been focused on A(2A) and A(3) receptors. The protective effects of A(2A) antagonists in brain ischemia may be largely due to reduced glutamate outflow from neurones and glial cells. Reduced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases that are involved in neuronal death through transcriptional mechanisms may also contribute to protection by A(2A) antagonism. Evidence that A(3) receptor antagonism may be protective after ischemia is also reported.

Low affinity binding of the classical D1 antagonist SCH23390 in rodent brain: potential interaction with A2A and D2-like receptors

Whereas structurally dissimilar D(1) antagonists competing for [(3)H]-SCH23390 binding recognize primarily one site in striatum, two distinct affinity states are observed in both amygdala and hippocampus. The binding profile of SCH23390 is similar in both of these regions, with the high affinity site (K(D) approximately 0.4 nM) consistent with D(1)/D(5) receptors. The appearance of the low affinity site (K(D) approximately 300 nM) is dependent upon the absence of MgCl(2), but independent of D(1) expression (i.e., still present in D(1) knockout mice). Although the density of high affinity state receptor is lower in hippocampus or amygdala of D(1) knockout mice, some residual binding remains, consistent with the known expression of D(5) receptors in these regions. Remarkably, in hippocampus, the affinity of the low affinity site is shifted rightward in the presence of the D(2) antagonist domperidone and is largely absent in the hippocampus of D(2) knockout animals. Additionally, this site is also shifted rightward in the presence of the A(2A) ligands SCH58261, CSC, or NECA, or in the absence of A(2A) receptors. The affinity of SCH23390 for this low affinity site is greater than seen for SCH23390 binding to D(2) receptors in heterologous expression systems, consistent with the hypothesis that both D(2) and A(2A) receptors are involved in the low affinity binding site. Therefore, we suggest that the heteromerization of D(2) and A(2A) receptors reported previously in vitro also may occur in the brain of both rats and mice.

Mapping interactions between dopamine and adenosine A2a receptors using pharmacologic MRI

Adenosine receptors in the basal ganglia are implicated in regulation of dopamine function and release. We investigated the interactions between dopamine receptors and adenosine receptors in the basal ganglia using pharmacologic MRI (phMRI) in rats. Stimulation of dopamine receptors was achieved using administration of 2 mg/kg of amphetamine. Then we investigated the antagonism of these changes using the selective A2a receptor antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylaxanthine (DMPX). Amphetamine alone caused large increases (10-30%) in relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in caudate/putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAcc), thalamus, and frontal and cingulate cortices with changes that persisted for 70-80 min. DMPX alone (5 mg/kg) induced decreases in rCBV (approximately 8-10%) in NAcc, CPu, and olfactory tubercule, with smaller changes in thalamus (-6%) consistent with the regional distribution of A2a receptors. We examined the interactions between amphetamine and DMPX by assessing the effects of DMPX (5 mg/kg) administration 20 min after injection of 3 mg/kg amphetamine. These experiments showed that DMPX immediately decreased the rCBV increase induced by amphetamine in NAcc, CPu, and thalamus but not in cingulate or sensorimotor cortex. Companion microdialysis experiments showed that dopamine release in CPu was decreased in a similar manner. These experiments demonstrate the utility of phMRI for probing, in a noninvasive manner, the temporal and spatial dynamics of neurotransmitter interactions.

Small conductance calcium-activated K+ channels, SkCa, but not voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels, are implicated in the antinociception induced by CGS21680, a A2A adenosine receptor agonist

It has been shown that A2A adenosine receptors are implicated in pain modulation. The precise mechanism by which activation of A2A receptors produces analgesic effects, however, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of apamin-sensitive calcium-activated potassium channels (SKCa) and voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in A2A receptor activation-induced analgesic effects. Using mice, we evaluated the influence of apamin, a non specific blocker of SKCa channels, Lei-Dab7 (an analog of scorpion Leiurotoxin), a selective blocker of SKCa2 channels, and kaliotoxin (KTX) a Kv channel blocker, on the CGS 21680 (A2A adenosine receptor agonist)-induced increases in hot plate and tail pinch latencies. All drugs were injected in mice via the intracerebroventricular route. We found that apamin and Lei-Dab7, but not KTX, reduced antinociception produced by CGS21680 on the hot plate and tail pinch tests in a dose dependent manner. Lei-Dab 7 was more potent than apamin in this regard. We conclude that SKCa but not Kv channels are implicated in CGS 21680-induced antinociception.

Adenosine A2A receptor-induced inhibition of NMDA and GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic currents in a subpopulation of rat striatal neurons

The function of adenosine A(2A) receptors, localized at the enkephalin-containing GABAergic medium spiny neurons of the striatum, has been discussed controversially. Here we show that, in the absence of external Mg(2+), the adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist CGS 21680 postsynaptically depressed the NMDA, but not the non-NMDA (AMPA/kainate) receptor-mediated fraction of the electrically evoked EPSCs in a subpopulation of striatal neurons. Current responses to locally applied NMDA but not AMPA were also inhibited by CGS 21680. However, in the presence of external Mg(2+), the inhibition by CGS 21680 of the GABA(A) receptor-mediated IPSCs led to a depression of the EPSC/IPSC complexes. The current response to the locally applied GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol was unaltered by CGS 21680. Whereas, the frequency of spontaneous (s)IPSCs was inhibited by CGS 21680, their amplitude was not changed. Hence, it is suggested that under these conditions the release rather than the postsynaptic effect of GABA was affected by CGS 21680. In conclusion, under Mg(2+)-free conditions, CGS 21680 appeared to postsynaptically inhibit the NMDA receptor-mediated component of the EPSC, while in the presence of external Mg(2+) this effect turned into a presynaptic inhibition of the GABA(A) receptor-mediated IPSC.

A2A antagonist prevents dopamine agonist-induced motor complications in animal models of Parkinson’s disease

Adenosine A(2A) receptors, abundantly expressed on striatal medium spiny neurons, appear to activate signaling cascades implicated in the regulation of coexpressed ionotropic glutamatergic receptors. To evaluate the contribution of adenosinergic mechanisms to the pathogenesis of the response alterations induced by dopaminergic treatment, we studied the ability of the selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist KW-6002 to prevent as well as palliate these syndromes in rodent and primate models of Parkinson's disease. In rats, KW-6002 reversed the shortened motor response produced by chronic levodopa treatment while reducing levodopa-induced hyperphosphorylation at S845 residues on AMPA receptor GluR1 subunits. In primates, KW-6002 evidenced modest antiparkinsonian activity when given alone. Once-daily coadministration of KW-6002 with apomorphine prevented the development of dyskinesias, which appeared in control animals 7-10 days after initiating apomorphine treatment. Animals initially given apomorphine plus KW-6002 for 3 weeks did not begin to manifest apomorphine-induced dyskinesias until 10-12 days after discontinuing the A(2A) antagonist. These results suggest that KW-6002 can attenuate the induction as well as the expression of motor response alterations to chronic dopaminergic stimulation in parkinsonian animals, possibly by blocking A(2A) receptor-stimulated signaling pathways. Our findings strengthen the rationale for developing A(2A) antagonists as an early treatment strategy for Parkinson's disease.

Possible therapeutic benefits of adenosine-potentiating drugs in reducing age-related degenerative disease in dogs and cats

Adenosine is a ubiquitous, biologically important molecule that is a precursor of other biologically active molecules. It also is a component of some co-factors and has distinct physiological actions in its own right. Levels are maintained by synthesis from dietary precursors and re-cycling. The daily turnover of adenosine is very high. Adenosine can act either as a hormone by binding to adenosine receptors, four adenosine receptor subtypes have been identified, and as an intracellular modulator, after transport into the cell by membrane transporter proteins. One of the principal intracellular actions of adenosine is inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase. Extracellular adenosine also has specific neuromodulatory actions on dopamine and glutamate. Selective and nonselective agonists and antagonists of adenosine are available. The tasks of developing, evaluating and exploiting the therapeutic potential of these compounds is still in its infancy. Adenosine has actions in the central nervous system (CNS), heart and vascular system, skeletal muscle and the immune system and the presence of receptors suggests potential actions in the gonads and other organs. Adenosine agonists improve tissue perfusion through actions on vascular smooth muscle and erythrocyte fluidity and they can be used to improve the quality of life in aged dogs. This article reviews the therapeutic potential of adenosine-potentiating drugs in the treatment of age-related conditions in companion animals, some of which may be exacerbated by castration or spaying at an early age.

Modulation of GABA release during morphine withdrawal in midbrain neurons in vitro

Chronic treatment with opioids induces adaptations in neurons leading to tolerance and dependence. Studies have implicated the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) in the expression of many signs of withdrawal. Patch-clamp recording techniques were used to examine whether augmentation of adenylyl cyclase signalling produces hyperexcitation in GABAergic nerve terminals within the mouse PAG. Both the rate of mIPSCs and the amplitude of evoked IPSCs during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal was profoundly enhanced in chronically morphine treated mice, compared to vehicle treated controls, in the presence but not the absence an adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX. Enhanced GABAergic transmission in the presence of DPCPX was abolished by blocking protein kinase A. Inhibitors of cAMP transport, phosphodiesterase and nucleotide transport mimicked the effect of DPCPX. Coupling efficacy of micro-receptors to presynaptic inhibition of GABA release was increased in dependent mice in the presence of DPCPX. The increased coupling efficacy was abolished by blocking protein kinase A, which unmasked an underlying micro-receptor tolerance. These findings indicate that enhanced adenylyl cyclase signalling following chronic morphine treatment produces (1) GABAergic terminal hyperexcitability during withdrawal that is retarded by a concomitant increase in endogenous adenosine, and (2) enhanced micro-receptor coupling to presynaptic inhibition that overcomes an underlying tolerance.

Purines and neuroprotection

The activation of adenosine A1, A2 andA3 receptors can protect neurones against damage generated by mechanical or hypoxic/ischaemic insults as well as excitotoxins. A1 receptors are probably effective by suppressing transmitter release and producing neuronal hyperpolarisation. They are less likely to be of therapeutic importance due to the plethora of side effects resulting from A1 agonism, although the existence of receptor subtypes and recent synthetic chemistry efforts to increase ligand selectivity, may yet yield clinically viable compounds. Activation of A2A receptors can protect neurons, although there is much uncertainty as to whether agonists are acting centrally or via a peripheral mechanism such as altering blood flow or immune cell function. Selective antagonists at the A2A receptor, such as 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)(1,2,4)triazolo(2,3-a)(1,3,5)triazin-5-yl-amino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385) and 7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine (SCH 58261), can also protect against neuronal death produced by ischaemia or excitotoxicity. In addition, A2A receptor antagonists can reduce damage produced by combinations of subthreshold doses of the endogenous excitotoxin quinolinic acid and free radicals. Since the A2A receptors do not seem to be activated by normal endogenous levels of adenosine, their blockade should not generate significant side effects, so that A2A receptor antagonists appear to be promising candidates as new drugs for the prevention of neuronal damage. Adenosine A3 receptors have received less attention to date, but agonists are clearly able to afford protection against damage when administered chronically. Given the disappointing lack of success of NMDA receptor antagonists in human stroke patients, despite their early promise in animal models, it is possible that A2A receptor antagonists could have a far greater clinical utility.

Actions of specific adenosine receptor A1 and A2 agonists and antagonists in recovery of phrenic motor output following upper cervical spinal cord injury in adult rats

1. Previous studies from our laboratory have established that a latent respiratory motor pathway can be activated to restore function to a hemidiaphragm paralysed by upper cervical (C2) spinal cord hemisection during a reflex known as the 'crossed phrenic phenomenon'. In addition, theophylline, a general adenosine A1 and A2 receptor antagonist, can activate the latent pathway by acting centrally through antagonism at adenosine receptors. 2. The present study was designed to assess the relative contributions of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors in inducing functional recovery in our model of spinal cord injury. Specific adenosine A1 and A2 agonists and antagonists were used in an electrophysiological study. 3. Our results demonstrate that, in hemisected rats, systemic administration of the adenosine A1 receptor-specific antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) restores, in a dose-dependent manner, phrenic nerve respiratory related output that is lost following hemisection. Furthermore, DPCPX augments respiratory activity in non-injured animals. The A2 receptor agonist CGS-21680 mediates its effects by predominantly acting on peripheral rather than central nervous system (CNS) receptors. CGS-21680 modulates respiratory related phrenic nerve activity in non-injured animals by enhancing tonic activity, but does not induce recovery of phrenic nerve activity in hemisected animals in the majority of cases. When CGS-21680 was administered prior to DPCPX in hemisected rats, the magnitude of recovery of respiratory function was significantly greater than that elicited by DPCPX alone. However, when the A2 receptor agonist was administered after DPCPX, the magnitude of recovery was virtually unchanged, whereas activity in the right phrenic nerve was significantly enhanced. The A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine depressed respiratory activity in non-injured, as well as hemisected, rats. The A2 receptor antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine did not affect respiratory activity. 4. We conclude that while antagonism at central adenosine A1 receptors mediates functional restitution in hemisected animals, activation of A2 receptors located outside of the CNS subserves the A1 receptor-mediated respiratory recovery.

Effect of chronic manganese treatment on adenosine tissue levels and adenosine A2a receptor binding in diverse regions of mouse brain

In the present study the effects of chronic manganese (Mn) treatment on adenosine A2a receptor binding in mouse brain have been assessed. Male albino mice were divided in two groups: In the Mn-treated group, the animals were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with MnCl2 (5 mg/kg/day) five days per week during 9 weeks; in the control group, they were injected likewise with a saline solution. A significant decrease of the Kd without alteration of Bmax in the cerebellum and, an increase of the Kd and Bmax in hippocampus of mice treated with Mn were found. Also, an increase of Kd in frontal cortex was observed. The binding parameters in caudate nucleus, olfactory bulb and hypothalamus were not altered by Mn. A significant decrease in the adenosine concentration in caudate nucleus, olfactory bulb and hypothalamus, without significant changes in hippocampus, frontal cortex and cerebellum was also detected. These findings suggest that chronic administration of Mn could affect adenosine receptor function and turnover, depending on the brain region analyzed.

The role and regulation of adenosine in the central nervous system

Adenosine is a modulator that has a pervasive and generally inhibitory effect on neuronal activity. Tonic activation of adenosine receptors by adenosine that is normally present in the extracellular space in brain tissue leads to inhibitory effects that appear to be mediated by both adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. Relief from this tonic inhibition by receptor antagonists such as caffeine accounts for the excitatory actions of these agents. Characterization of the effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists has led to numerous hypotheses concerning the role of this nucleoside. Previous work has established a role for adenosine in a diverse array of neural phenomena, which include regulation of sleep and the level of arousal, neuroprotection, regulation of seizure susceptibility, locomotor effects, analgesia, mediation of the effects of ethanol, and chronic drug use.

Suppression of presynaptic responses to adenosine by activation of NMDA receptors

The interactions between adenosine and NMDA receptors has been investigated using the paired-pulse paradigm in hippocampal slices. This technique allows the study of drug effects specifically at presynaptic terminals. The inhibitory effect of adenosine on population spikes, and the decrease of paired-pulse inhibition assessed using either population spikes or population excitatory postsynaptic potentials, were suppressed by performing the experiments in magnesium-free medium, or by superfusion of the slices with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) at a concentration (4 microM) which did not itself affect potential size. The suppressant effect of NMDA was prevented by 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. All these interactions were still seen in the presence of bicuculline methobromide, 30 microM. Neither alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) nor kainate produced a suppression of adenosine responses. The presence of NMDA did not modify the effects of baclofen on population potentials or paired-pulse inhibition. Activating NMDA receptors by the induction of long-term potentiation or by superfusion with glycine also reduced significantly the effects of adenosine on population spikes and paired-pulse interactions. Increasing population potential size by a mechanism which did not involve the activation of NMDA receptors (increasing stimulus strength) did not change sensitivity to adenosine. When adenosine receptor-selective agonists were tested, it was found that NMDA did not modify the inhibitory effect of the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, but did enhance the excitatory effect of the adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680). The combined response to NMDA and CGS21680 was prevented by the adenosine A(2A) receptor selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM241385). It is concluded that NMDA receptor activation can suppress neuronal sensitivity to adenosine by acting at presynaptic sites, and that this interaction results from an increase in the excitatory action of adenosine A(2A) receptors, rather than a depression of A(1) receptor function.

Electrophysiologic effects of a novel selective adenosine A1 agonist (CVT-510) on atrioventricular nodal conduction in humans

BACKGROUND

CVT-510, N-(3(R)-tetrahydrofuranyl)-6-aminopurine riboside, is a selective A(1)-adenosine receptor agonist with potential potent antiarrhythmic effects in tachycardias involving the atrioventricular (AV) node. This study, the first in humans, was designed to determine the effects of CVT-510 on AV nodal conduction and hemodynamics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients in sinus rhythm with normal AV nodal function at electrophysiologic study (n = 32) received a single intravenous bolus of CVT-510. AH and HV intervals were measured during sinus rhythm and during atrial pacing at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the bolus. Increasing doses of CVT-510 (0.3 to 10 microg/kg) caused a dose-dependent increase in the AH interval. At 1 minute, a dose of 10 microg/kg increased the AH interval during sinus rhythm from 93 +/- 23 msec to 114 +/- 37 msec, p = 0.01 and from 114 +/- 31 msec to 146 +/- 44 msec during atrial pacing at 600 msec, p = 0.003). The AH interval returned to baseline by 20 minutes. CVT-510 at doses of 0.3 to 10 microg/kg had no effect on sinus rate, HV interval, or systemic blood pressure, and was not associated with serious adverse effects. At doses of 15 and 30 microg/kg, CVT-510 produced transient second/third degree AV heart block in all four patients treated. One of these patients also had a prolonged sedative effect that was reversed with aminophylline.

CONCLUSIONS

CVT-510 promptly prolongs AV nodal conduction and does not affect sinus rate or blood pressure. Selective stimulation of the A(1)-adenosine receptor by CVT-510 may be useful for immediate control of heart rate in atrial fibrillation/flutter and to convert paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm, while avoiding vasodilatation mediated by the A(2)-adenosine receptor, as well as the vasodepressor and negative inotropic effects associated with beta-adrenergic receptor blockade and/or calcium channel blockers.

Carbon-11-labeled KF21213: a highly selective ligand for mapping CNS adenosine A(2A) receptors with positron emission tomography

In vivo assessment of the adenosine A(2A) receptors localized in the striatum with positron emission tomography (PET) may offers us a new diagnostic tool for neurological disorders. We evaluated the potential of [7-methyl-(11)C](E)-8-(2,3-dimethyl-4-methoxystyryl)-1, 3,7-trimethylxanthine ([(11)C]KF21213) as a PET ligand for mapping adenosine A(2A) receptors in the central nervous system. KF21213 showed a high affinity for the adenosine A(2A) receptors in vitro (Ki = 3.0 nM) and a very low affinity for the A(1) receptors (Ki > 10,000 nM). In mice, the striatal uptake of [(11)C]KF21213 increased for the first 15 min and then gradually decreased, whereas the uptake in the reference regions such as the cortex and cerebellum rapidly decreased. The uptake ratio of striatum to cortex and striatum to cerebellum increased to 8.6 and 10.5, respectively, at 60 min postinjection. The striatal uptake was significantly blocked by co-injection of carrier KF21213 or each of three other A(2A) antagonists, but not by co-injection of A(1) antagonist. The specific uptake was not detected in the cortex or in the cerebellum. Ex vivo autoradiography and PET clearly visualized adenosine A(2A) receptors in the rat striatum. [(11)C]KF21213 was the most selective tracer for mapping adenosine A(2A) in the central nervous system by PET among the tracers proposed to date.

Extracellular ATP reduces optically monitored electrical signals in hippocampal slices through metabolism to adenosine

Electrical signals in rat hippocampal slices were optically monitored using a voltage-sensitive dye to determine whether extracellular ATP exhibits direct effects through its own receptors or indirect effects after its hydrolysis to adenosine. The dentate gyrus was stimulated and electrical signals in the CA1 and the CA3 region were analyzed. The signals were divided into two components: a transient component peaking within 10 ms (fast component) and a subsequent sustained component (slow component). ATP (10 to 100 microM) inhibited both the fast and the slow components in the CA1 region by about 30% and 70%, respectively. ADP, AMP and adenosine also inhibited the fast and the slow components. The inhibition by ATP was antagonized by aminophylline and other adenosine receptor antagonists, and by alpha,beta-methylene ADP, an inhibitor of 5'-nucleotidases. These results suggest that extracellular ATP inhibits neuronal electrical signals in hippocampal slices after its metabolism to adenosine.

Inhibition by adenosine A(2A) receptors of NMDA but not AMPA currents in rat neostriatal neurons

Whole-cell patch clamp experiments were used to investigate the transduction mechanism of adenosine A(2A) receptors in modulating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced currents in rat striatal brain slices. The A(2A) receptor agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680) inhibited the NMDA, but not the (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) current in a subset of striatal neurons. Lucifer yellow-filled pipettes in combination with immunostaining of A(2A) receptors were used to identify CGS 21680-sensitive cells as typical medium spiny striatal neurons. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP and the protein kinase A activator Sp-cyclic AMPs, but not the protein kinase A inhibitors Rp-cyclic AMPS or PKI(14 - 24)amide abolished the inhibitory effect of CGS 21680. The phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122, but not the inactive structural analogue U-73343 also interfered with CGS 21680. The activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or the blockade of this enzyme by staurosporine did not alter the effect of CGS 21680. Heparin, an antagonist of inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) and a more efficient buffering of intracellular Ca(2+) by BAPTA instead of EGTA in the pipette solution, abolished the CGS 21680-induced inhibition. The calmodulin antagonist W-7 and cytochalasin B which enhances actin depolymerization also prevented the effect of CGS 21680; the calmodulin kinase II inhibitors CaM kinase II(281 - 309) and KN-93 but not the inactive structural analogue KN-92 were also effective. The calcineurin inhibitor deltamethrin did not interfere with CGS 21680. It is suggested that the transduction mechanism of A(2A) receptors to inhibit NMDA receptor channels is the phospholipase C/InsP(3)/calmodulin and calmodulin kinase II pathway. The adenylate cyclase/protein kinase A and phospholipase C/protein kinase C pathways do not appear to be involved.

GABAergic involvement in motor effects of an adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist in mice

Adenosine A(2A) agonists are known to induce catalepsy and inhibit dopamine mediated motor hyperactivity. An antagonistic interaction between adenosine A(2A) and dopamine D(2) receptors is known to regulate GABA-mediated neurotransmission in striatopallidal neurons. Stimulation of adenosine A(2A) and dopamine D(2) receptors has been shown to increase and inhibit GABA release respectively in pallidal GABAergic neurons. However, the role of GABAergic neurotransmission in the motor effects of adenosine A(2A) receptors is not yet known. Therefore in the present study the effect of GABAergic agents on adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist (NECA- or CGS 21680) induced catalepsy and inhibition of amphetamine elicited motor hyperactivity was examined. Pretreatment with GABA, the GABA(A) agonist muscimol or the GABA(B) agonist baclofen potentiated whereas the GABA(A) antagonist bicuculline attenuated NECA- or CGS 21680-induced catalepsy. However, the GABA(B) antagonists phaclophen and delta-aminovaleric acid had no effect. Administration of NECA or CGS 21680 not only reduced spontaneous locomotor activity but also antagonized amphetamine elicited motor hyperactivity. These effects of NECA and CGS 21680 were potentiated by GABA or muscimol and antagonized by bicuculline. These findings provide behavioral evidence for the role of GABA in the motor effects of adenosine A(2A) receptor agonists. Activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors increases GABA release which could reduce dopaminergic tone and induce catalepsy or inhibit amphetamine mediated motor hyperactivity.

Synaptic control of motoneuronal excitability

Movement, the fundamental component of behavior and the principal extrinsic action of the brain, is produced when skeletal muscles contract and relax in response to patterns of action potentials generated by motoneurons. The processes that determine the firing behavior of motoneurons are therefore important in understanding the transformation of neural activity to motor behavior. Here, we review recent studies on the control of motoneuronal excitability, focusing on synaptic and cellular properties. We first present a background description of motoneurons: their development, anatomical organization, and membrane properties, both passive and active. We then describe the general anatomical organization of synaptic input to motoneurons, followed by a description of the major transmitter systems that affect motoneuronal excitability, including ligands, receptor distribution, pre- and postsynaptic actions, signal transduction, and functional role. Glutamate is the main excitatory, and GABA and glycine are the main inhibitory transmitters acting through ionotropic receptors. These amino acids signal the principal motor commands from peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal structures. Amines, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and neuropeptides, as well as the glutamate and GABA acting at metabotropic receptors, modulate motoneuronal excitability through pre- and postsynaptic actions. Acting principally via second messenger systems, their actions converge on common effectors, e.g., leak K(+) current, cationic inward current, hyperpolarization-activated inward current, Ca(2+) channels, or presynaptic release processes. Together, these numerous inputs mediate and modify incoming motor commands, ultimately generating the coordinated firing patterns that underlie muscle contractions during motor behavior.

Adenosine receptors are involved in the control of acute naloxone-precipitated withdrawal: in vitro evidence

The effects exerted by adenosine A1 and A2 receptor agonists and antagonists on the acute opiate withdrawal induced by morphine were investigated in vitro. Following a 4 min in vitro exposure to morphine, the guinea-pig isolated ileum exhibited a strong contracture after the addition of naloxone. The P1 adenosine receptor agonist, adenosine, was able to reduce dose-dependently naloxone-precipitaded withdrawal. The same effect was induced by the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) whereas the selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 increased the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal phenomenon. Dipyridamole, a blocker of adenosine reuptake, induced a significant reduction of morphine dependence. Caffeine, an adenosine receptor antagonist, significantly increased the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal effect in a concentration dependent manner. The same effect was observed with 8-phenyltheophylline (8PT), an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, whereas 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), an A2 adenosine receptor antagonist, reduced the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal phenomenon. The results of our experiments indicate that both A1 and A2 adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists are able to influence opiate withdrawal in vitro, suggesting an important functional interaction between the adenosine receptors and opioid withdrawal.

Effects of an adenosine analogue administration on the striatal NMDA receptors in an experimental model of epilepsy

Specific [3H]-MK801 binding to rat NMDA receptors following the administration of the convulsant drug 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MP) and the adenosine analogue cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) was studied in striatal membrane fractions. MP administration (150 mg/kg, i.p.) caused an increase of 53% and 82% in [3H]-MK801 binding during seizure and the postseizure period respectively. Administration of CPA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) raised [3H]-MK801 binding by 72%. When CPA was administered 30 min before MP and rats sacrificed at seizure (CPA + MPc), an increase of 64%, was observed. Saturation results indicate that receptor sites increased their maximal binding capacity (Bmax) in all treatments while the apparent dissociation constant (Kd) remained unchanged. MP administration brought about an increase of 52% and 42% in [3H]-MK801 binding sites during seizure and postseizure respectively. Administration of CPA raised receptor density by 75%. When CPA was administered 30 min before MP and rats sacrificed at seizure (CPA + MPc), an increase of 62%, was observed. These results show that striatal NMDA receptors have a selective role in seizure activity in the basal ganglia and that the adenosine analogue administration may modify [3H]-MK801 binding in a way similar to that of the convulsant drug.

The role of receptor structure in determining adenosine receptor activity

Adenosine produces a wide variety of physiological effects through the activation of cell surface adenosine receptors (ARs). ARs are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor family, and currently, four subtypes, the A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR, and A3AR, are recognized. This review focuses on the role of receptor structure in governing various facets of AR activity. Ligand-binding properties of ARs are primarily dictated by amino acids in the transmembrane domains of the receptors, although a role for extracellular domains of certain ARs has been suggested. Studies have identified certain amino acids conserved amongst AR subtypes that are critical for ligand recognition, as well as additional residues that may differentiate between agonist and antagonist ligands. Receptor regions responsible for activation of Gs have been identified for the A2AAR. The location of these intracellular sites is consistent with findings described for other G-protein-coupled receptors. Site-directed mutagenesis has been employed to analyze the structural basis for the differences in the kinetics of the desensitization response displayed by various AR subtypes. For the A2AAR and A3AR, agonist-stimulated phosphorylation of the AR, presumably via a G-protein receptor kinase, has been shown to occur. For these AR subtypes, intracellular regions or individual amino acids that may be targets for this phosphorylation have been identified. Finally, the role of A1AR gene structure in regulating the expression of this AR subtype is reviewed.

Activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors modulates dopamine D2 receptor-induced responses in stably transfected human neuroblastoma cells

Adenosine can influence dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia via postsynaptic interaction between adenosine A2A and dopamine D2 receptors. We have used a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) that was found to express constitutively moderate levels of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors (approximately 100 fmol/mg of protein) to investigate the interactions of A2A/D2 receptors, at a cellular level. After transfection with human D2L receptor cDNA, SH-SY5Y cells expressed between 500 and 1,100 fmol of D2 receptors/mg of protein. In membrane preparations, stimulation of adenosine A2A receptors decreased the affinity of dopamine D2 receptors for dopamine. In intact cells, the calcium concentration elevation induced by KCI treatment was moderate, and dopamine had no effect on either resting intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) or KCI-induced responses. In contrast, pretreatment with adenosine deaminase for 2 days dramatically increased the elevation of [Ca2+]i evoked by KCI, which then was totally reversed by dopamine. The effects induced by 48-h adenosine inactivation were mimicked by application of adenosine A1 antagonists and could not be further reversed by acute activation of either A1 or A2A receptors. Acute application of the selective A2 receptor agonist CGS-21680 counteracted the D2 receptor-induced [Ca2+]i responses. The present study shows that SH-SY5Y cells are endowed with functional adenosine A2A and A1 receptors and that A2A receptors exert an antagonistic acute effect on dopamine D2 receptor-mediated functions. In contrast, A1 receptors induce a tonic modulatory role on these dopamine functions.

Central adenosine A(2A) receptors: an overview

Recent advances in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology and behavioral pharmacology together with the development of more selective ligands to the various adenosine receptors have increased our understanding of the functioning of central adenosine A(2A) receptors. The A(2A) receptor is one of four adenosine receptors found in the brain. Its expression is highest in striatum, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercles, although it also occurs in neurons and microglia in most other brain regions. The receptor has seven transmembrane domains and couples via Gs to adenyl cyclase stimulation. Antagonistic interactions between A(2A) receptors and dopamine D(2) receptors have been described, as stimulation of the A(2A) receptor leads to a reduction in the affinity of D(2) receptors for D(2) receptor agonists. The A(2A) receptor is thought to play a role in a number of physiological responses and pathological conditions. Indeed, A(2A) receptor antagonists may be useful for the treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebral ischemia or Parkinson's disease. A(2A) receptor agonists may treat certain types of seizures or sleep disorders. This review discusses the characteristics, distribution, pharmacochemical properties and regulation of central A(2A) receptors, as well as A(2A) receptor-mediated behavioural responses and their potential role in various neuropsychiatric disorders.

Trophic effects of purines in neurons and glial cells

In addition to their well known roles within cells, purine nucleotides such as adenosine 5' triphosphate (ATP) and guanosine 5' triphosphate (GTP), nucleosides such as adenosine and guanosine and bases, such as adenine and guanine and their metabolic products xanthine and hypoxanthine are released into the extracellular space where they act as intercellular signaling molecules. In the nervous system they mediate both immediate effects, such as neurotransmission, and trophic effects which induce changes in cell metabolism, structure and function and therefore have a longer time course. Some trophic effects of purines are mediated via purinergic cell surface receptors, whereas others require uptake of purines by the target cells. Purine nucleosides and nucleotides, especially guanosine, ATP and GTP stimulate incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA of astrocytes and microglia and concomitant mitosis in vitro. High concentrations of adenosine also induce apoptosis, through both activation of cell-surface A3 receptors and through a mechanism requiring uptake into the cells. Extracellular purines also stimulate the synthesis and release of protein trophic factors by astrocytes, including bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3, ciliary neurotrophic factor and S-100beta protein. In vivo infusion into brain of adenosine analogs stimulates reactive gliosis. Purine nucleosides and nucleotides also stimulate the differentiation and process outgrowth from various neurons including primary cultures of hippocampal neurons and pheochromocytoma cells. A tonic release of ATP from neurons, its hydrolysis by ecto-nucleotidases and subsequent re-uptake by axons appears crucial for normal axonal growth. Guanosine and GTP, through apparently different mechanisms, are also potent stimulators of axonal growth in vitro. In vivo the extracellular concentration of purines depends on a balance between the release of purines from cells and their re-uptake and extracellular metabolism. Purine nucleosides and nucleotides are released from neurons by exocytosis and from both neurons and glia by non-exocytotic mechanisms. Nucleosides are principally released through the equilibratory nucleoside transmembrane transporters whereas nucleotides may be transported through the ATP binding cassette family of proteins, including the multidrug resistance protein. The extracellular purine nucleotides are rapidly metabolized by ectonucleotidases. Adenosine is deaminated by adenosine deaminase (ADA) and guanosine is converted to guanine and deaminated by guanase. Nucleosides are also removed from the extracellular space into neurons and glia by transporter systems. Large quantities of purines, particularly guanosine and, to a lesser extent adenosine, are released extracellularly following ischemia or trauma. Thus purines are likely to exert trophic effects in vivo following trauma. The extracellular purine nucleotide GTP enhances the tonic release of adenine nucleotides, whereas the nucleoside guanosine stimulates tonic release of adenosine and its metabolic products. The trophic effects of guanosine and GTP may depend on this process. Guanosine is likely to be an important trophic effector in vivo because high concentrations remain extracellularly for up to a week after focal brain injury. Purine derivatives are now in clinical trials in humans as memory-enhancing agents in Alzheimer's disease. Two of these, propentofylline and AIT-082, are trophic effectors in animals, increasing production of neurotrophic factors in brain and spinal cord. Likely more clinical uses for purine derivatives will be found; purines interact at the level of signal-transduction pathways with other transmitters, for example, glutamate. They can beneficially modify the actions of these other transmitters.