THE SELECTIVE ADENOSINE A2A RECEPTOR AGONIST CGS 21680 REDUCES JNK MAPK ACTIVATION IN OLIGODENDROCYTES IN INJURED SPINAL CORD

Inosine Improves Functional Recovery and Cell Morphology Following Compressive Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most serious conditions of the central nervous system, causing motor and sensory deficits that lead to a significant impairment in the quality of life. Previous studies have indicated that inosine can promote regeneration after SCI. Here we investigated the effects of inosine on the behavioral and morphological recovery after a compressive injury. Adult female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to laminectomy and spinal cord compression using a vascular clip. Inosine or saline injections were administered intraperitoneally, with the first dose performed 24 h after injury and daily for 7 days after injury. The mice were evaluated using Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), locomotor rating scale, and pinprick test for 8 weeks. At the end, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, and the spinal cords were collected for morphological evaluation. Inosine-treated animals presented better results in the immunostaining for oligodendrocytes and in the number of myelinated fibers through semithin sections compared to saline-treated animals, showing that there was a greater preservation of the white matter. Analysis of the immunoreactivity of astrocytes and evaluation of the inflammatory profile with macrophage labeling revealed that the animals of the inosine group had a lower immunoreactivity when compared to control, which suggests a reduction of the glial scar and less inflammation, respectively, leading to a more favorable microenvironment for spinal cord regeneration. Indeed, inosine-treated animals scored higher on the BMS scale and presented better results on the pinprick test, indicating that the treatment contributed to motor and sensory recovery. After the animals were sacrificed, we obtained the electroneuromyography, where the inosine group showed a greater amplitude of the compound muscle action potential. These results indicate that inosine contributed to the regeneration process in the spinal cord of mice submitted to compressive injury and should be further investigated as a candidate for SCI therapy.

Adenosine A2A receptor and glia

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is abundantly expressed in the brain, including both neurons and glial cells. While the expression of A2AR is relative low in glia, its levels elevate robustly in astrocytes and microglia under pathological conditions. Elevated A2AR appears to play a detrimental role in a number of disease states, by promoting neuroinflammation and astrocytic reaction to contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.

Pretreatment with kaempferol attenuates microglia-mediate neuroinflammation by inhibiting MAPKs-NF-κB signaling pathway and pyroptosis after secondary spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury that characterized by oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Kaempferol is reported to be an anti-neuroinflammation in neurologic disorders. Nevertheless, the role and mechanism of kaempferol in SCI remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate effects of kaempferol on SCI and its possible underlying mechanisms in in vivo and in vitro models. A C5 hemi-contusion injury was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate the neuroprotective effects of kaempferol after SCI. For in vitro study, the BV2 microglia cell lines were pretreated with or without kaempferol. A combination of molecular and histological methods was used to clarify the mechanism and explore the signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc tests to examine the differences between groups. The in vivo studies showed that kaempferol could improve the recovery of hindlimb motor function and ameliorate tissue damage in the spinal cord after SCI. Moreover, administration of kaempferol reduced microglia activation and oxidative stress level in the spinal cord. The in vitro studies showed that kaempferol suppressed the microglia activation resulting from the administration of LPS with ATP to BV-2 cells. Pretreated BV2 cells with kaempferol reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by inhibiting NADPH oxidase 4, and then, suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK, which subsequently inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 to express pro-inflammatory factors. We also observed that kaempferol could inhibite the pyroptosis related proteins (NLRP3 Caspase-1 p10 ASC N-GSDMD) and reduce the release of IL-18 and IL-1β. In conclusion, kaempferol was able to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response through down-regulation of ROS dependent MAPKs- NF-κB and pyroptosis signaling pathway, which suggested that kaempferol might be a novel promising therapeutic agent for SCI.

Electro-Acupuncture Inhibits p66Shc-Mediated Oxidative Stress to Facilitate Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Oxidative stress is the core problem in improving secondary spinal cord injury (SCI). To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture with different frequencies on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress injury, as well as related signaling pathways, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced using operation for model SCI and then treated with electrical stimulation at low frequency (2 mA, 0.2 Hz), medium frequency (2 mA, 50 Hz), and high frequency (2 mA, 100 Hz), respectively. Here, we first demonstrated that the JNK/p66^Shc signal pathway promoted ROS generation and inhibited the anti-oxidation effect of FoxO3a to induce oxidative stress damage after SCI and the mechanism of electro-acupuncture in anti-oxidative stress. Electro-acupuncture facilitated functional recovery after SCI and improved the apoptosis of neurons. Furthermore, p38MAPK-mediated microglia activation and inflammatory reaction and JNK/p66^Shc-mediated ROS generation and oxidative stress damage were both attenuated by electro-acupuncture. However, the inhibitory effect of electro-acupuncture on p38MAPK was enslaved to the acupuncture frequency, but the ROS generation and phosphorylation of p66^Shc were effectively inhibited by electro-acupuncture. Therefore, the activation of JNK/p66^Shc promoted the ROS-induced oxidative stress damage after SCI, and inhibiting the phosphorylation of p66^Shc-mediated oxidative stress was the key target of electro-acupuncture to facilitate functional recovery SCI, but not p38MAPK.

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.

Purinergic signaling in oligodendrocyte development and function

Myelin, an insulating membrane that enables rapid action potential propagation, is an essential component of an efficient, functional vertebrate nervous system. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glia of the central nervous system (CNS), produce myelin throughout the CNS, which requires continuous proliferation, migration, and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Because myelination is essential for efficient neurotransmission, researchers hypothesize that neuronal signals may regulate the cascade of events necessary for this process. The ability of oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to detect and respond to neuronal activity is becoming increasingly appreciated, although the specific signals involved are still a matter of debate. Recent evidence from multiple studies points to purinergic signaling as a potential regulator of oligodendrocyte development and differentiation. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its derivatives are potent signaling ligands with receptors expressed on many populations of cells in the nervous system, including cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. Release of ATP into the extracellular space can initiate a multitude of signaling events, and these downstream signals are specific to the particular purinergic receptor (or receptors) expressed, and whether enzymes are present to hydrolyze ATP to its derivatives adenosine diphosphate and adenosine, each of which can activate their own unique downstream signaling cascades. This review will introduce purinergic signaling in the CNS and discuss evidence for its effects on oligodendrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and myelination. We will review sources of extracellular purines in the nervous system and how changes in purinergic receptor expression may be coupled to oligodendrocyte differentiation. We will also briefly discuss purinergic signaling in injury and diseases of the CNS.

Adenosine A2A receptor signaling affects IL-21/IL-22 cytokines and GATA3/T-bet transcription factor expression in CD4+ T cells from a BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J mouse model of autism

Autism is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder; previous studies have identified altered immune responses among individuals diagnosed with autism. An imbalance in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors plays a role in neurodevelopmental behavioral and autism disorders. BTBR T⁺ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are used as a model for autism, as they exhibit social deficits, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors compared with C57BL/6J (B6) mice. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) appears to be a potential target for the improvement of behavioral, inflammatory, immune, and neurological disorders. We investigated the effects of the A2AR antagonist SCH 5826 (SCH) and agonist CGS 21680 (CGS) on IL-21, IL-22, T-bet, T-box transcription factor (T-bet), GATA3 (GATA Binding Protein 3), and CD152 (CTLA-4) expression in BTBR mice. Our results showed that BTBR mice treated with SCH had increased CD4⁺IL-21⁺, CD4⁺IL-22⁺, CD4⁺GATA3⁺, and CD4⁺T-bet⁺ and decreased CD4⁺CTLA-4⁺ expression in spleen cells compared with BTBR control mice. Moreover, CGS efficiently decreased CD4⁺IL-21⁺, CD4⁺IL-22⁺, CD4⁺GATA3⁺, and CD4⁺T-bet⁺ and increased CD4⁺CTLA-4 production in spleen cells compared with SCH-treated and BTBR control mice. Additionally, SCH treatment significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-21, IL-22, GATA3, and T-bet in brain tissue compared with CGS-treated and BTBR control mice. The augmented levels of IL-21/IL-22 and GATA3/T-bet could be due to altered A2AR signaling. Our results indicate that A2AR agonists may represent a new class of compounds that can be developed for use in the treatment of autistic and neuroimmune dysfunctions.

How does adenosine control neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration?

The adenosine modulation system mostly operates through inhibitory A₁ (A₁ R) and facilitatory A_2A receptors (A_2A R) in the brain. The activity-dependent release of adenosine acts as a brake of excitatory transmission through A₁ R, which are enriched in glutamatergic terminals. Adenosine sharpens salience of information encoding in neuronal circuits: high-frequency stimulation triggers ATP release in the 'activated' synapse, which is locally converted by ecto-nucleotidases into adenosine to selectively activate A_2A R; A_2A R switch off A₁ R and CB1 receptors, bolster glutamate release and NMDA receptors to assist increasing synaptic plasticity in the 'activated' synapse; the parallel engagement of the astrocytic syncytium releases adenosine further inhibiting neighboring synapses, thus sharpening the encoded plastic change. Brain insults trigger a large outflow of adenosine and ATP, as a danger signal. A₁ R are a hurdle for damage initiation, but they desensitize upon prolonged activation. However, if the insult is near-threshold and/or of short-duration, A₁ R trigger preconditioning, which may limit the spread of damage. Brain insults also up-regulate A_2A R, probably to bolster adaptive changes, but this heightens brain damage since A_2A R blockade affords neuroprotection in models of epilepsy, depression, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's disease. This initially involves a control of synaptotoxicity by neuronal A_2A R, whereas astrocytic and microglia A_2A R might control the spread of damage. The A_2A R signaling mechanisms are largely unknown since A_2A R are pleiotropic, coupling to different G proteins and non-canonical pathways to control the viability of glutamatergic synapses, neuroinflammation, mitochondria function, and cytoskeleton dynamics. Thus, simultaneously bolstering A₁ R preconditioning and preventing excessive A_2A R function might afford maximal neuroprotection. The main physiological role of the adenosine modulation system is to sharp the salience of information encoding through a combined action of adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2A R) in the synapse undergoing an alteration of synaptic efficiency with an increased inhibitory action of A₁ R in all surrounding synapses. Brain insults trigger an up-regulation of A_2A R in an attempt to bolster adaptive plasticity together with adenosine release and A₁ R desensitization; this favors synaptotocity (increased A_2A R) and decreases the hurdle to undergo degeneration (decreased A₁ R). Maximal neuroprotection is expected to result from a combined A_2A R blockade and increased A₁ R activation. This article is part of a mini review series: "Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases".

Adenosine receptor neurobiology: overview

Adenosine is a naturally occurring nucleoside that is distributed ubiquitously throughout the body as a metabolic intermediary. In the brain, adenosine functions as an important upstream neuromodulator of a broad spectrum of neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways. By acting through four G-protein-coupled receptors, adenosine contributes critically to homeostasis and neuromodulatory control of a variety of normal and abnormal brain functions, ranging from synaptic plasticity, to cognition, to sleep, to motor activity to neuroinflammation, and cell death. This review begun with an overview of the gene and genome structure and the expression pattern of adenosine receptors (ARs). We feature several new developments over the past decade in our understanding of AR functions in the brain, with special focus on the identification and characterization of canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways of ARs. We provide an update on functional insights from complementary genetic-knockout and pharmacological studies on the AR control of various brain functions. We also highlight several novel and recent developments of AR neurobiology, including (i) recent breakthrough in high resolution of three-dimension structure of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) in several functional status, (ii) receptor-receptor heterodimerization, (iii) AR function in glial cells, and (iv) the druggability of AR. We concluded the review with the contention that these new developments extend and strengthen the support for A1 and A2ARs in brain as therapeutic targets for neurologic and psychiatric diseases.

Daily acute intermittent hypoxia elicits functional recovery of diaphragm and inspiratory intercostal muscle activity after acute cervical spinal injury

A major cause of mortality after spinal cord injury is respiratory failure. In normal rats, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) induces respiratory motor plasticity, expressed as diaphragm (Dia) and second external intercostal (T2 EIC) long-term facilitation (LTF). Dia (not T2 EIC) LTF is enhanced by systemic adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor inhibition in normal rats. We investigated the respective contributions of Dia and T2 EIC to daily AIH-induced functional recovery of breathing capacity with/without A2A receptor antagonist (KW6002, i.p.) following C2 hemisection (C2HS). Rats received daily AIH (dAIH: 10, 5-min episodes, 10.5% O2; 5-min normoxic intervals; 7 successive days beginning 7days post-C2HS) or daily normoxia (dNx) with/without KW6002, followed by weekly (reminder) presentations for 8weeks. Ventilation and EMGs from bilateral diaphragm and T2 EIC muscles were measured with room air breathing (21% O2) and maximum chemoreceptor stimulation (

MCS

7% CO2, 10.5% O2). dAIH increased tidal volume (VT) in C2HS rats breathing room air (dAIH+vehicle: 0.47±0.02, dNx+vehicle: 0.40±0.01ml/100g; p<0.05) and MCS (dAIH+vehicle: 0.83±0.01, dNx+vehicle: 0.73±0.01ml/100g; p<0.001); KW6002 had no significant effect. dAIH enhanced contralateral (uninjured) diaphragm EMG activity, an effect attenuated by KW6002, during room air breathing and MCS (p<0.05). Although dAIH enhanced contralateral T2 EIC EMG activity during room air breathing, KW6002 had no effect. dAIH had no statistically significant effects on diaphragm or T2 EIC EMG activity ipsilateral to injury. Thus, two weeks post-C2HS: 1) dAIH enhances breathing capacity by effects on contralateral diaphragm and T2 EIC activity; and 2) dAIH-induced recovery is A2A dependent in diaphragm, but not T2 EIC. Daily AIH may be a useful in promoting functional recovery of breathing capacity after cervical spinal injury, but A2A receptor antagonists (e.g. caffeine) may undermine its effectiveness shortly after injury.

Adenosine A2A receptors modulate acute injury and neuroinflammation in brain ischemia

The extracellular concentration of adenosine in the brain increases dramatically during ischemia. Adenosine A_2A receptor is expressed in neurons and glial cells and in inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and granulocytes). Recently, adenosine A_2A receptor emerged as a potential therapeutic attractive target in ischemia. Ischemia is a multifactorial pathology characterized by different events evolving in the time. After ischemia the early massive increase of extracellular glutamate is followed by activation of resident immune cells, that is, microglia, and production or activation of inflammation mediators. Proinflammatory cytokines, which upregulate cell adhesion molecules, exert an important role in promoting recruitment of leukocytes that in turn promote expansion of the inflammatory response in ischemic tissue. Protracted neuroinflammation is now recognized as the predominant mechanism of secondary brain injury progression. A_2A receptors present on central cells and on blood cells account for important effects depending on the time-related evolution of the pathological condition. Evidence suggests that A_2A receptor antagonists provide early protection via centrally mediated control of excessive excitotoxicity, while A_2A receptor agonists provide protracted protection by controlling massive blood cell infiltration in the hours and days after ischemia. Focus on inflammatory responses provides for adenosine A_2A receptor agonists a wide therapeutic time-window of hours and even days after stroke.

Neurobiology of microglial action in CNS injuries: receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms and functional roles

Microglia are the first line of immune defense against central nervous system (CNS) injuries and disorders. These highly plastic cells play dualistic roles in neuronal injury and recovery and are known for their ability to assume diverse phenotypes. A broad range of surface receptors are expressed on microglia and mediate microglial 'On' or 'Off' responses to signals from other host cells as well as invading microorganisms. The integrated actions of these receptors result in tightly regulated biological functions, including cell mobility, phagocytosis, the induction of acquired immunity, and trophic factor/inflammatory mediator release. Over the last few years, significant advances have been made toward deciphering the signaling mechanisms related to these receptors and their specific cellular functions. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge of the surface receptors involved in microglial activation, with an emphasis on their engagement of distinct functional programs and their roles in CNS injuries. It will become evident from this review that microglial homeostasis is carefully maintained by multiple counterbalanced strategies, including, but not limited to, 'On' and 'Off' receptor signaling. Specific regulation of theses microglial receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy against CNS injuries.

Using caffeine and other adenosine receptor antagonists and agonists as therapeutic tools against neurodegenerative diseases: a review

Caffeine is the most consumed pychostimulant in the world, and it is known to affect basic and fundamental human processes such as sleep, arousal, cognition and learning and memory. It works as a nonselective blocker of adenosine receptors (A1, A2a, A2b and A3) and has been related to the regulation of heart rate, the contraction/relaxation of cardiac and smooth muscles, and the neural signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). Since the late 1990s, studies using adenosine receptor antagonists, such as Caffeine, to block the A1 and A2a adenosine receptor subtypes have shown to reduce the physical, cellular and molecular damages caused by a spinal cord injury (SCI) or a stroke (cerebral infarction) and by other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Interestingly, other studies using adenosine receptor agonists have also shown to provide a neuroprotective effect on various models of neurodegenerative diseases through the reduction of excitatory neurotransmitter release, apoptosis and inflammatory responses, among others. The seemingly paradoxical use of both adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists as neuroprotective agents has been attributed to differences in dosage levels, drug delivery method, extracellular concentration of excitatory neurotransmitters and stage of disease progression. We discuss and compare recent findings using both antagonists and agonists of adenosine receptors in animal models and patients that have suffered spinal cord injuries, brain strokes, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Additionally, we propose alternative interpretations on the seemingly paradoxical use of these drugs as potential pharmacological tools to treat these various types of neurodegenerative diseases.

Potential role of A2A adenosine receptor in traumatic optic neuropathy

In traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells is closely related to the local production of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators from activated microglial cells. Adenosine receptor A2A (A2AAR) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that have not been studied in TON. In the present study, we examined the role of A2AAR in retinal complications associated with TON. Initial studies in wild-type mice revealed that treatment with the A2AAR agonist resulted in marked decreases in the TON-induced microglial activation, retinal cell death and releases of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. To further assess the role of A2AAR in TON, we studied the effects of A2AAR ablation on the TON-induced retinal abnormalities. A2AAR-/- mice with TON showed a significantly higher mRNA level of TNF-α, Iba1-1 in retinal tissue, and ICAM-1 expression in retinal sections compared with wild-type mice with TON. To explore a potential mechanism by which A2AAR-signaling regulates inflammation in TON, we performed additional studies using hypoxia- or LPS-treated microglial cells as an in vitro model for TON. Activation of A2AAR attenuates hypoxia or LPS-induced TNF-α release and significantly repressed the inflammatory signaling, ERK in the activated microglia. Collectively, this work provides pharmacological and genetic evidence for A2AAR signaling as a control point of cell death in TON and suggests that the retinal protective effect of A2AAR is mediated by attenuating the inflammatory response that occurs in microglia via interaction with MAPKinase pathway.

Schizandrin C exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects by upregulating phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes in microglia

We investigated the anti-neuroinflammatory properties of schizandrin C by focusing on its roles in the induction of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes and in the modulation of upstream signaling pathways. Schizandrin C induced expression of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH dehydrogenase quinone-1 (NQO-1). Activation of upstream signaling pathways, such as the cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB) and erythroid-specific nuclear factor-regulated factor 2 (Nrf-2) pathways, significantly increased following treatment with schizandrin C. In addition, expressions of schizandrin C-mediated phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes were completely attenuated by adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (ddAdo) and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H-89). In microglia, schizandrin C significantly inhibited lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9) protein expressions. Moreover, schizandrin C suppressed LTA-induced nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein-1 (AP-1), janus-kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STATs), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Schizandrin C also effectively suppressed ROS generation and NO production, as well as iNOS promoter activity in LTA-stimulated microglia. This suppressive effect was reversed by transfection with Nrf-2 and HO-1 siRNA and co-treatment with inhibitors ddAdo and H-89. Our results indicate that schizandrin C isolated from Schisandra chinensis could be used as a natural anti-neuroinflammatory agent, inducing phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes via cAMP/PKA/CREB and Nrf-2 signaling.

Adenosine 2A receptor modulates inflammation and phenotype in experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms

Activation of the adenosine 2A receptor (A2AR) reduces inflammation in models of acute injury but contribution in development of chronic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is unknown. Elastase perfusion to induce AAA formation in A2AR-knockout (A2ARKO) and C57BL6/J wild-type (WT) mice resulted in nearly 100% larger aneurysms in A2ARKO compared to WT at d 14 (P<0.05), with evidence of greater elastin fragmentation, more immune cell infiltration, and increased matrix metallatoproteinase (MMP) 9 expression (P<0.05). Separately, exogenous A2AR antagonism in elastase-perfused WT mice also resulted in larger aneurysms (P<0.05), while A2AR agonism limited aortic dilatation (P<0.05). Activated Thy-1.2(+) T lymphocytes from WT mice treated in vitro with A2AR antagonist increased cytokine production, and treatment with A2AR agonist decreased cytokine production (P<0.05 for all). Primary activated CD4(+) T lymphocytes from A2ARKO mice exhibited greater chemotaxis (P<0.05). A2AR antagonist increased chemotaxis of activated CD4(+) cells from WT mice in vitro, and A2AR agonist reduced this effect (P<0.05). A2AR activation attenuates AAA formation partly by inhibiting immune cell recruitment and reducing elastin fragmentation. These findings support augmenting A2AR signaling as a putative target for limiting aneurysm formation.

Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, type 1 (IP3R1) in hypoxic/reperfusion injury of white matter

OBJECTIVE

Calcium overloading is responsible for initiating the cell death in neuronal tissue after hypoxic injury. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) is an important calcium channel which regulates cellular calcium homeostasis. IP3R1 is widely expressed in brain and spinal tissue. In the present study, we have studied the regulation of IP3R1 in hypoxic/reperfusion injury of spinal cord dorsal column in vitro.

METHODS

Dorsal columns were isolated from the spinal cord of adult rats and injury was induced by exposing to hypoxic condition for 1 hour. After injury, reperfusion was carried out for 0, 2, 4, and 8 hours. Tissues were collected and processed for western blotting, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

In the present study, we have found increased expression of IP3R1 after hypoxic/reperfusion injury of spinal cord dorsal column in vitro. Maximum expression of IP3R1 has been seen at 4 hours after hypoxia. Double immunofluorescence studies show the localization of IP3R1 in axons and astrocytes. Further identifying the signaling pathway involved in the regulation, we found Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-62 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 reduced the expression of IP3R1 suggesting the role of CaMKII and JNK in the regulation of IP3R1 expression. We did not find role of ERK and p38 in the regulation IP3R1 expression in hypoxic/reperfusion injury of dorsal column in vitro.

DISCUSSION

The result presented in this study showed that IP3R1 expression is increased in hypoxic/reperfusion injury of spinal cord white matter and it is regulated by the CaMKII-JNK pathway.

17β-estradiol attenuates neural cell apoptosis through inhibition of JNK phosphorylation in SCI rats and excitotoxicity induced by glutamate in vitro

We investigated whether 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment could prevent the apoptosis of neural cells after spinal cord injury (SCI) and cultured cortical cells through inhibition of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) phosphorylation. SCI-induced rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, E2-treated, and sham-treated. Five rats from each group were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, 12, or 24 h postinjury. Apoptotic neural cells were assessed using the TUNEL method. JNK phosphorylation was detected with immunohistochemistry. Cultured cortical cells were pretreated with E2 and the specific JNK inhibitor SP600125 and then treated with glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Neuron viability was determined with an methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, morphology of apoptotic cells was observed with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, and JNK phosphorylation was detected using Western blot analysis. Treatment with E2 reduced neuron apoptosis and inhibited JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, the number of apoptotic cells was correlated with JNK phosphorylation 24 h after the rats suffered the SCI. Pretreatment with E2 significantly maintained neural cell viability, attenuated apoptosis, and inhibited JNK phosphorylation induced by glutamate in vitro. These neuroprotective effects of E2 on neural cells were blocked by the co-administration of SP600125. Our results suggest that neuroprotection from E2 is partially mediated by the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation.

Purinergic signalling: from normal behaviour to pathological brain function

Purinergic neurotransmission, involving release of ATP as an efferent neurotransmitter was first proposed in 1972. Later, ATP was recognised as a cotransmitter in peripheral nerves and more recently as a cotransmitter with glutamate, noradrenaline, GABA, acetylcholine and dopamine in the CNS. Both ATP, together with some of its enzymatic breakdown products (ADP and adenosine) and uracil nucleotides are now recognised to act via P2X ion channels and P1 and P2Y G protein-coupled receptors, which are widely expressed in the brain. They mediate both fast signalling in neurotransmission and neuromodulation and long-term (trophic) signalling in cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Purinergic signalling is prominent in neurone-glial cell interactions. In this review we discuss first the evidence implicating purinergic signalling in normal behaviour, including learning and memory, sleep and arousal, locomotor activity and exploration, feeding behaviour and mood and motivation. Then we turn to the involvement of P1 and P2 receptors in pathological brain function; firstly in trauma, ischemia and stroke, then in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's, as well as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Finally, the role of purinergic signalling in neuropsychiatric diseases (including schizophrenia), epilepsy, migraine, cognitive impairment and neuropathic pain will be considered.

Upregulation of RyR2 in hypoxic/reperfusion injury

Calcium influx into cells is responsible for initiating the cell death in neuronal tissue after hypoxic injury. Changes in intracellular calcium with subsequent increased expression of ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) are hypothesized to cause cell death after hypoxic injury. In the present study we have examined the time-dependent changes of RyR2 expression in hypoxic/reperfusion injury of spinal cord dorsal column. In this study we used western blotting, real time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry to examine changes in protein and gene expression of RyR2 after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the rat. Quantitative immunoblotting showed increase in the expression of RyR2 at 4 h during hypoxic/reperfusion injury of dorsal column. Moreover, RT-PCR showed 36-fold increases in mRNA of RyR2 after 4 h of hypoxic injury of white matter. By double immunofluorescence staining, RyR2 was localized on axons and astrocytes in the white matter of the spinal cord. After treatment with KN-62; (inhibitor of CaMKII) and SP600125 (inhibitor of JNK), there is a significant reduction in the expression of RyR2, indicating the role of these molecules in RyR2 regulation. Further removal of extracellular calcium does not have significant effect on RyR2 expression and phosphorylation of CaMKII, which was further confirmed by treatment with intracellular Ca(++) chelator BAPTA-AM. Finally, bioassay with quantitative analysis showed that treatment with inhibitor significantly reduced the cellular oxidative stress suggesting RyR2 is responsible for increased cellular oxidative load. In summary, we provide evidence that RyR2 gene and protein expression in astrocyte and axons is markedly increased after hypoxic injury. Further CaMKII/JNK pathway upregulates RyR2 expression after hypoxic injury. Therefore we propose that inhibitors of CaMKII/JNK pathway would reduce the cellular oxidative load and thereby have a neuroprotective role.

CGS 21680, an agonist of the adenosine (A2A) receptor, reduces progression of murine type II collagen-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of an adenosine A2A receptor agonist, 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-50 ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), on modulation of the inflammatory response in mice subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

METHODS

CIA was induced by intradermal injection of 100 μl of emulsion containing 100 μg of bovine type II collagen (CII) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) at the base of the tail. On Day 21, a second injection of CII in CFA was administered. Immunized mice developed erosive hind paw arthritis. Macroscopic clinical evidence of CIA first appeared as periarticular erythema and edema in the hind paws. The incidence of CIA was 100% by Day 27 in the CII challenged mice and the severity of CIA progressed over a 35-day period, with radiographic evaluation revealing focal resorption of bone. The histopathology of CIA included erosion of cartilage at the joint margins.

RESULTS

Treatment of mice with CGS 21680 starting at the onset of arthritis (Day 25) ameliorated the clinical signs at Days 26-35 and improved histological status in the joint and paw. The degree of oxidative and nitrosative damage was significantly reduced in CGS 21680-treated mice as indicated by elevated levels of malondialdehyde, formation of nitrotyrosine, and activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-6 were also reduced by CGS 21680. Treatment with CGS 21680 also decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that CGS 21680 exerts an antiinflammatory effect during chronic inflammation and ameliorates the tissue damage associated with CIA.

A(₂A) adenosine receptor (A(₂A)AR) as a therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy

In diabetic retinopathy (DR), abnormalities in vascular and neuronal function are closely related to the local production of inflammatory mediators whose potential source is microglia. A(₂A) adenosine receptor (A(₂A)AR) has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that have not been studied in DR. Here, we evaluate the role of A(₂A)AR and its underlying signaling in retinal complications associated with diabetes. Initial studies in wild-type mice revealed that the treatment with the A(₂A)AR agonist resulted in marked decreases in hyperglycemia-induced retinal cell death and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release. To further assess the role of A(₂A)AR in DR, we studied the effects of A(₂A)AR ablation on diabetes-induced retinal abnormalities. Diabetic A(₂A)AR(-/-) mice had significantly more terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells, TNF-α release, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression compared with diabetic wild-type mice. To explore a potential mechanism by which A(₂A)AR signaling regulates inflammation in DR, we performed additional studies using microglial cells treated with Amadori-glycated albumin, a risk factor in diabetic disorders. The results showed that activation of A(₂A)AR attenuated Amadori-glycated albumin-induced TNF-α release in a cAMP/exchange protein directly activated by cAMP-dependent mechanism and significantly repressed the inflammatory cascade, C-Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), in activated microglia. Collectively, this work provides pharmacological and genetic evidence for A(₂A)AR signaling as a control point of cell death in DR and suggests that the retinal protective effect of A(2A)AR is mediated by abrogating the inflammatory response that occurs in microglia via interaction with C-Raf/ERK pathway.

Selective adenosine A2A receptor agonists and antagonists protect against spinal cord injury through peripheral and central effects

BACKGROUND

Permanent functional deficits following spinal cord injury (SCI) arise both from mechanical injury and from secondary tissue reactions involving inflammation. Enhanced release of adenosine and glutamate soon after SCI represents a component in the sequelae that may be responsible for resulting functional deficits. The role of adenosine A2A receptor in central ischemia/trauma is still to be elucidated. In our previous studies we have demonstrated that the adenosine A2A receptor-selective agonist CGS21680, systemically administered after SCI, protects from tissue damage, locomotor dysfunction and different inflammatory readouts. In this work we studied the effect of the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261, systemically administered after SCI, on the same parameters. We investigated the hypothesis that the main action mechanism of agonists and antagonists is at peripheral or central sites.

METHODS

Spinal trauma was induced by extradural compression of SC exposed via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy in mouse. Three drug-dosing protocols were utilized: a short-term systemic administration by intraperitoneal injection, a chronic administration via osmotic minipump, and direct injection into the spinal cord.

RESULTS

SCH58261, systemically administered (0.01 mg/kg intraperitoneal. 1, 6 and 10 hours after SCI), reduced demyelination and levels of TNF-α, Fas-L, PAR, Bax expression and activation of JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 24 hours after SCI. Chronic SCH58261 administration, by mini-osmotic pump delivery for 10 days, improved the neurological deficit up to 10 days after SCI. Adenosine A2A receptors are physiologically expressed in the spinal cord by astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. Soon after SCI (24 hours), these receptors showed enhanced expression in neurons. Both the A2A agonist and antagonist, administered intraperitoneally, reduced expression of the A2A receptor, ruling out the possibility that the neuroprotective effects of the A2A agonist are due to A2A receptor desensitization. When the A2A antagonist and agonist were centrally injected into injured SC, only SCH58261 appeared neuroprotective, while CGS21680 was ineffective.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the A2A antagonist protects against SCI by acting on centrally located A2A receptors. It is likely that blockade of A2A receptors reduces excitotoxicity. In contrast, neuroprotection afforded by the A2A agonist may be primarily due to peripheral effects.

Adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist (CGS-21680) prevents endotoxin-induced effects on nucleotidase activities in mouse lymphocytes

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) released during inflammation presents proinflammatory properties. Adenosine, produced by catabolism of ATP, is an anti-inflammatory compound. Considering the role of ATP and adenosine in inflammation and the importance of ectonucleotidases in the maintenance of their extracellular levels, we investigated the effect of a selective agonist of the adenosine A(2A) receptor (CGS-21680) on ectonucleotidase activities and gene expression patterns in lymphocytes from mice submitted to an endotoxemia model. Animals were injected intraperitoneally with 12mg/kg Lipopolyssacharide (LPS) and/or 0.5mg/kg CGS-21680 or saline. Nucleotidase activities were determined in lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes and analysis of ectonucleotidase expression was carried out by a semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Exposure to endotoxemia promoted an increase in nucleotide hydrolysis. When CGS-21680 was administered concomitantly with LPS, this increase was prevented for ATP, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), and p-Nitrophenyl thymidine 5'-monophosphate (p-Nph-5'-TMP) hydrolysis. However, when CGS-21680 was administered 24h after LPS injection, the increase was not reversed. The expression pattern of ectonucleotidases was not altered between LPS and LPS plus CGS-21680 groups, indicating that the transcriptional control was not involved on the effect exerted for CGS-21680. These results showed an enhancement of extracellular nucleotide catabolism in lymphocytes after induction of endotoxemia, which was prevented, but not reversed by CGS-21680 administration. These findings suggest that the control of nucleotide and nucleoside levels exerted by CGS-21680 could contribute to the modulation of the inflammatory process promoted by adenosine A(2A) agonists.

Receptor crosstalk: haloperidol treatment enhances A(2A) adenosine receptor functioning in a transfected cell model

A(2A) adenosine receptors are considered an excellent target for drug development in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is noteworthy that the responses evoked by A(2A) adenosine receptors are regulated by D(2) dopamine receptor ligands. These two receptors are co-expressed at the level of the basal ganglia and interact to form functional heterodimers. In this context, possible changes in A(2A) adenosine receptor functional responses caused by the chronic blockade/activation of D(2) dopamine receptors should be considered to optimise the therapeutic effectiveness of dopaminergic agents and to reduce any possible side effects. In the present paper, we investigated the regulation of A(2A) adenosine receptors induced by antipsychotic drugs, commonly acting as D(2) dopamine receptor antagonists, in a cellular model co-expressing both A(2A) and D(2) receptors. Our data suggest that the treatment of cells with the classical antipsychotic haloperidol increased both the affinity and responsiveness of the A(2A) receptor and also affected the degree of A(2A)-D(2) receptor heterodimerisation. In contrast, an atypical antipsychotic, clozapine, had no effect on A(2A) adenosine receptor parameters, suggesting that the two classes of drugs have different effects on adenosine-dopamine receptor interaction. Modifications to A(2A) adenosine receptors may play a significant role in determining cerebral adenosine effects during the chronic administration of antipsychotics in psychiatric diseases and may account for the efficacy of A(2A) adenosine receptor ligands in pathologies associated with dopaminergic system dysfunction.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11302-010-9201-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The therapeutic potential of G-protein coupled receptors in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is a late-onset autosomal dominant inherited neurodegenerative disease characterised by increased symptom severity over time and ultimately premature death. An expanded CAG repeat sequence in the huntingtin gene leads to a polyglutamine expansion in the expressed protein, resulting in complex dysfunctions including cellular excitotoxicity and transcriptional dysregulation. Symptoms include cognitive deficits, psychiatric changes and a movement disorder often referred to as Huntington's chorea, which involves characteristic involuntary dance-like writhing movements. Neuropathologically Huntington's disease is characterised by neuronal dysfunction and death in the striatum and cortex with an overall decrease in cerebral volume (Ho et al., 2001). Neuronal dysfunction begins prior to symptom presentation, and cells of particular vulnerability include the striatal medium spiny neurons. Huntington's is a devastating disease for patients and their families and there is currently no cure, or even an effective therapy for disease symptoms. G-protein coupled receptors are the most abundant receptor type in the central nervous system and are linked to complex downstream pathways, manipulation of which may have therapeutic application in many neurological diseases. This review will highlight the potential of G-protein coupled receptor drug targets as emerging therapies for Huntington's disease.

Local glutamate level dictates adenosine A2A receptor regulation of neuroinflammation and traumatic brain injury

During brain injury, extracellular adenosine and glutamate levels increase rapidly and dramatically. We hypothesized that local glutamate levels in the brain dictates the adenosine-adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) effects on neuroinflammation and brain damage outcome. Here, we showed that, in the presence of low concentrations of glutamate, the A(2A)R agonist 3-[4-[2-[[6-amino-9-[(2R,3R,4S,5S)-5-(ethylcarbamoyl)-3,4-dihydroxy-oxolan-2-yl]purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]phenyl]propanoic acid (CGS21680) inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity of cultured microglial cells, an effect that was dependent on the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. However, in high concentrations of glutamate, CGS21680 increased LPS-induced NOS activity in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner. Thus, increasing the local level of glutamate redirects A(2A)R signaling from the PKA to the PKC pathway, resulting in a switch in A(2A)R effects from antiinflammatory to proinflammatory. In a cortical impact model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice, brain water contents, behavioral deficits, and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 mRNAs, and inducible NOS were attenuated by administering CGS21680 at post-TBI time when brain glutamate levels were low, or by administering the A(2A)R antagonist ZM241385 [4-(2-{[5-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a][1,3,5]triazin-7-yl]amino}ethyl)phenol] at post-TBI time when brain glutamate levels were elevated. Furthermore, pre-TBI treatment with the glutamate release inhibitor (S)-4C3HPG [(S)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine] converted the debilitating effect of CGS21680 administered at post-TBI time with high glutamate level to a neuroprotective effect. This further indicates that the switch in the effect of A(2A)R activation in intact animals from antiinflammatory to proinflammatory is dependent on glutamate concentration. These findings identify a novel role for glutamate in modulation of neuroinflammation and brain injury via the adenosine-A(2A)R system.