Adenosine A(2A) receptors are colocalized with and activate g(olf) in rat striatum

Sensitization to caffeine and cross-sensitization to amphetamine: Influence of individual response to caffeine

The present study evaluated the ability of a subchronic intermittent administration of caffeine to induce a sensitized motor response and correlated the individual susceptibility of rats to acute caffeine to the development of sensitization. Moreover, individual susceptibility to caffeine and development of motor behaviour sensitization were correlated to the behavioural response obtained after a challenge with amphetamine. To this end, rats were subdivided in "low" and "high" responders according to their individual susceptibility to acute caffeine established on the basis of the motor activity observed after the first caffeine administration. "Low" and "high" responder rats were then repeatedly and intermittently treated with caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle, every other day for fourteen days. Three days after treatment discontinuation, behavioural activation induced by acute amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) was measured in vehicle- and caffeine-pretreated rats. Subchronic caffeine resulted in motor sensitization of a variable degree among rats and no difference were observed between "low" and "high" responders. Moreover, caffeine pretreatment potentiated the behavioural effects of amphetamine according to the degree of caffeine sensitization but not to individual susceptibility to acute caffeine. These results demonstrate that individual susceptibility to acute caffeine does not influence the modifications in caffeine motor effects produced by its subchronic administration and does not affect the enhancement of acute behavioural effects of amphetamine in caffeine-pretreated rats, rather sensitization to subchronic caffeine administration critically influences the behavioural effects of amphetamine.

Subchronic-intermittent caffeine amplifies the motor effects of amphetamine in rats

Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychostimulant drug, acutely stimulates motor behaviour and enhances dopamine agonists actions whilst chronically it induces tolerance to either caffeine- or dopamine agonist-induced motor activating effects. The present study examined whether subchronic caffeine administration (15 mg/kg, on alternate days for 14 days) induces enduring modifications in caffeine- and amphetamine-mediated motor activity. To this end, motor activation and rotational behaviour stimulated by either caffeine or D-amphetamine (0.5, 2 mg/kg), given 3 days after the last caffeine administration, were evaluated in neurologically intact and unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats respectively. Subchronic caffeine resulted in an increase in caffeine-induced motor and turning behaviour. Furthermore, caffeine pretreatment potentiated the motor effects of amphetamine in both intact and 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats. These results suggest that subchronic caffeine treatment results in an enhancement of its motor stimulant effects, rather than in tolerance, and induces neuroadaptive facilitatory changes in dopamine transmission.

Potentiation of amphetamine-mediated responses in caffeine-sensitized rats involves modifications in A2A receptors and zif-268 mRNAs in striatal neurons

Subchronic intermittent administration of caffeine induces sensitization of motor behaviour and promotes cross-sensitization to amphetamine motor activity. In order to evaluate the possible mechanisms at the basis of these effects, modifications in A(2A) receptor and zif-268 mRNAs were evaluated in rats subchronically treated with caffeine (15 mg/kg i.p.) and challenged with caffeine (15 mg/kg i.p.) or amphetamine (0.5, 1 mg/kg s.c.) 3 days after discontinuation of treatment. Results showed that the sensitized motor response to caffeine was associated with a decrease of adenosine A(2A) receptor and zif-268 mRNA levels in the striatum and nucleus accumbens, whereas cross-sensitization to amphetamine was linked to a more pronounced increase of zif-268 mRNA levels in the striatum, but not in the nucleus accumbens. Single-cell analysis showed that zif-268 mRNA modifications occurred in Enk(+) striatopallidal neurons after acute or subchronic treatment with caffeine and in Enk(-) striatonigral neurons after acute amphetamine administration. Potentiation of amphetamine effects was not associated with modifications of amphetamine-induced dopamine release in nucleus accumbens in caffeine-pretreated rats compared with vehicle-pretreated rats. Results demonstrate that sensitization to caffeine and cross-sensitization to amphetamine are associated with post-synaptic neuroadaptive changes in selective neuronal populations of the striatum.

Involvement of adenosine in the neurobiology of schizophrenia and its therapeutic implications

Based on the neuromodulatory and homeostatic actions of adenosine, adenosine dysfunction may contribute to the neurobiological and clinical features of schizophrenia. The present model of adenosine dysfunction in schizophrenia takes into consideration the dopamine and glutamate hypotheses, since adenosine exerts neuromodulatory roles on these systems, and proposes that adenosine plays a role in the inhibitory deficit found in schizophrenia. Given the role of adenosine activation of adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) in mediating neurotoxicity in early stages of brain development, pre- and peri-natal complications leading to excessive adenosine release could induce primary brain changes (i.e., first hit). These events would lead to an adenosine inhibitory deficit through a partial loss of A1R that may emerge as reduced control of dopamine activity and increased vulnerability to excitotoxic glutamate action in the mature brain (i.e., second hit). Adenosine dysfunction is reasonably compatible with symptoms, gray and white matter abnormalities, progressive brain loss, pre- and peri-natal risk factors, age of onset, response to current treatments, impaired sensory gating and increased smoking in schizophrenia. Pharmacological treatments enhancing adenosine activity could be effective for symptom control and for alleviating deterioration in the course of the illness. Accordingly, allopurinol, which may indirectly increase adenosine, has been effective and well tolerated in the treatment of schizophrenia. Since much of the evidence for the adenosine hypothesis is preliminary and theoretical, further investigation in the field is warranted.

Adenosine A2a blockade prevents synergy between mu-opiate and cannabinoid CB1 receptors and eliminates heroin-seeking behavior in addicted rats

Relapse is the most serious limitation of effective medical treatment of opiate addiction. Opiate-related behaviors appear to be modulated by cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1) through poorly understood cross-talk mechanisms. Opiate and CB1 receptors are coexpressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsal striatum. These regions also have the highest density of adenosine A2a receptors (A2a) in the brain. We have been investigating the postsynaptic signaling mechanisms of mu-opiate receptors (MORs) and CB1 receptors in primary NAc/striatal neurons. In this article, we present evidence that MOR and CB1 act synergistically on cAMP/PKA signaling in NAc/striatal neurons. In addition, we find that synergy requires adenosine and A2a. Importantly, an A2a antagonist administered either directly into the NAc or indirectly by i.p. injection eliminates heroin-induced reinstatement in rats trained to self-administer heroin, a model of human craving and relapse. These findings suggest that A2a antagonists might be effective therapeutic agents in the management of abstinent heroin addicts.

Adenosine receptors as therapeutic targets

Adenosine receptors are major targets of caffeine, the most commonly consumed drug in the world. There is growing evidence that they could also be promising therapeutic targets in a wide range of conditions, including cerebral and cardiac ischaemic diseases, sleep disorders, immune and inflammatory disorders and cancer. After more than three decades of medicinal chemistry research, a considerable number of selective agonists and antagonists of adenosine receptors have been discovered, and some have been clinically evaluated, although none has yet received regulatory approval. However, recent advances in the understanding of the roles of the various adenosine receptor subtypes, and in the development of selective and potent ligands, as discussed in this review, have brought the goal of therapeutic application of adenosine receptor modulators considerably closer.

Role of adenosine A1 receptors in the modulation of dopamine D1 and adenosine A2a receptor signaling in the neostriatum

Adenosine is known to modulate the function of neostriatal neurons. Adenosine acting on A(2A) receptors increases the phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of M(r) 32 kDa (DARPP-32) at Thr34 (the cAMP-dependent protein kinase [PKA] site) in striatopallidal neurons, and opposes dopamine D2 receptor signaling. In contrast, the role of adenosine A(1) receptors in the regulation of dopamine/DARPP-32 signaling is not clearly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of adenosine A(1) receptors on D(1), D(2) and A(2A) receptor signaling using mouse neostriatal slices. An A(1) receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (100 nM), caused a transient increase, followed by a transient decrease, in DARPP-32 Thr34 phosphorylation. Our data support the following model for the actions of the A(1) receptor agonist. The A(1) receptor-induced early increase in Thr34 phosphorylation was mediated by presynaptic inhibition of dopamine release, and the subsequent removal of tonic inhibition by D(2) receptors of A(2A) receptor/G(olf)/cAMP/PKA signaling. The A(1) receptor-induced late decrease in Thr34 phosphorylation was mediated by a postsynaptic G(i) mechanism, resulting in inhibition of D(1) and A(2A) receptor-coupled G(olf)/cAMP/PKA signaling in direct and indirect pathway neurons, respectively. In conclusion, A(1) receptors play a major modulatory role in dopamine and adenosine receptor signaling.

Endogenous signalling system involved in parotid gland adenosine A(1) receptor-amylase release

AIM

In this study, we have determined signalling pathways involved in adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1) receptor)-dependent stimulation of amylase release in rat parotid gland.

METHODS

Amylase release, binding and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) assays, inositol phosphates (IPs) production and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the presence of cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPA) alone or in the presence of different inhibitory drugs were performed.

RESULTS

The binding parameters of specific A(1) antagonist [(3)H]-cyclopentyl 1,3-dipropilxanthine ([(3)H]-DPCPX) in parotid gland membranes show a population of high affinity sites with K(d) (nm) 0.53 +/- 0.06 and B(max) (fmol mg(-1) protein) 122.6 +/- 10.2. CPA stimulation of A(1) receptor exerts an increase in amylase release, IPs accumulation, cAMP production and NOS activity. All these A(1) agonist effects were blocked by the A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX. Inhibitors of phospholipase C (PLC), calcium/calmodulin (CaM), protein kinase C (PKC), and adenylate cyclase, but not NOS, activities attenuated the CPA stimulatory effect on amylase release. The effect of CPA on amylase release significantly correlated with its action either on cAMP or on IPs accumulation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CPA activation of parotid gland A(1) receptor induces a stimulatory effect on amylase release associated with increased production of cAMP and IPs accumulation. The mechanism appears to occur secondarily to stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover via PLC activation. This, in turn, triggers cascade reactions involving CaM and PKC. The CPA stimulation of NOS does not appear to participate in amylase release.

Subchronic intermittent caffeine administration to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats sensitizes turning behaviour in response to dopamine D1 but not D2 receptor agonists

The effects of caffeine, an antagonist of adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors, are significantly influenced by modifications in dopamine transmission. Administration of caffeine to unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats induces ipsilateral turning behaviour in rats never exposed to a dopamine receptor agonist, whereas contralateral turning is elicited if rats are repeatedly primed with a dopamine receptor agonist. In this study, rats unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine and subchronically treated with an intermittent administration of caffeine (15 mg/kg) or vehicle, were administered, 3 days after discontinuations of the treatment, with the dopamine D(1) receptor agonist 1-phenyl 1,2,3,4,5-tetrahydro(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diolhydrochloride (SKF 38393), the D(2)/D(3) receptor agonist quinpirole, the D(2) receptor agonist R(-)-propylnorapomorphine or the dopamine precursor L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine. Administration of SKF 38393 (1.5 mg/kg) or L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine (6 mg/kg), but not quinpirole (0.15 mg/kg) or R(-)-propylnorapomorphine (0.01 mg/kg), induced a significantly higher contralateral turning behaviour in rats subchronically treated with caffeine than in vehicle-pretreated rats. The results show that repeated intermittent caffeine exposure enhances the motor stimulant effects elicited by dopamine agonists by a preferential sensitization of dopamine D(1) receptors.

New therapies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists

The development of non-dopaminergic therapies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) has attracted much interest in recent years. Among new different classes of drugs, adenosine A2A receptor antagonists have emerged as best candidates. The present review will provide an updated summary of the results reported in literature concerning the effects of adenosine A2A antagonists in rodent and primate models of PD. These results show that A2A receptor antagonists improve motor deficits without inducing dyskinesia and counteract parkinsonian tremor. In progress clinical trials have shown that a low dose of L-DOPA plus KW-6002 produced symptomatic relief no different from that produced by an optimal dose of L-DOPA alone, whereas dyskinesias were reduced rendering this class of compounds particularly attractive.

Adenosine-dopamine interactions revealed in knockout mice

Neurochemical and pharmacological evidence obtained over the past 30 yr has indicated that adenosine and dopamine interact functionally in the basal ganglia and that such interactions have pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. The receptors implicated are adenosine A1 and A2A, and dopamine D1 and D2. There is evidence that dopamine D2 receptor activation in vivo antagonizes tonic activation of adenosine A2A receptors. Thus, acute blockade of dopamine D2 receptors, or disruption of dopamine transmission, unmasks strong adenosine A2A activation. Effects of dopamine D2 blockade are different after adenosine A2A blockade or in A2A knockout mice. Possibly as an adaptation to this increase in adenosine A2A signaling, there is a decreased coupling of A2A receptors to biological effects in dopamine D2 knockout mice. Compared to wild-type mice, adenosine A2A knockout mice show decreased neurodegeneration after treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and show improved motor performance in models of Parkinson's disease Adenosine A1 receptors are not specifically located with any dopamine receptor, as is the A2A receptor with D2 receptors. Many A1 receptors are located presynaptically, where they regulate transmitter release. In A1 knockout mice, glutamatergic and dopaminergic transmission is therefore modified.

ACTIONS OF ADENOSINE AT ITS RECEPTORS IN THE CNS: Insights from Knockouts and Drugs

Adenosine and its receptors have been the topic of many recent reviews ( 1 – 26 ). These reviews provide a good summary of much of the relevant literature—including the older literature. We have, therefore, chosen to focus the present review on the insights gained from recent studies on genetically modified mice, particularly with respect to the function of adenosine receptors and their potential as therapeutic targets. The information gained from studies of drug effects is discussed in this context, and discrepancies between genetic and pharmacological results are highlighted.

Caffeine and the dopaminergic system

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychostimulant substance, being self-administered throughout a wide range of conditions and present in numerous dietary products. Due to its widespread use and low abuse potential, caffeine is considered an atypical drug of abuse. The main mechanism of action of caffeine occurs via the blockade of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. Adenosine is a modulator of CNS neurotransmission and its modulation of dopamine transmission through A2A receptors has been implicated in the effects of caffeine. This review provides an updated summary of the results reported in the literature concerning the behavioural pharmacology of caffeine and the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the psychostimulant effects elicited by caffeine. The review focuses on the effects of caffeine mediated by adenosine A2A receptors and on the influence that pre-exposure to caffeine may exert on the effects of classical drugs of abuse.

Ric-8B, an olfactory putative GTP exchange factor, amplifies signal transduction through the olfactory-specific G-protein Galphaolf

The olfactory system is able to detect a large number of chemical structures with a remarkable sensitivity and specificity. Odorants are first detected by odorant receptors present in the cilia of olfactory neurons. The activated receptors couple to an olfactory-specific G-protein (Golf), which activates adenylyl cyclase III to produce cAMP. Increased cAMP levels activate cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, causing cell membrane depolarization. Here we used yeast two-hybrid to search for potential regulators for Galphaolf. We found that Ric-8B (for resistant to inhibitors of cholinesterase), a putative GTP exchange factor, is able to interact with Galphaolf. Like Galphaolf, Ric-8B is predominantly expressed in the mature olfactory sensory neurons and also in a few regions in the brain. The highly restricted and colocalized expression patterns of Ric-8B and Galphaolf strongly indicate that Ric-8B is a functional partner for Galphaolf. Finally, we show that Ric-8B is able to potentiate Galphaolf-dependent cAMP accumulation in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and therefore may be an important component for odorant signal transduction.

Therapeutic potential of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in Parkinson's disease

In the pursuit of improved treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD), the adenosine A(2A) receptor has emerged as an attractive nondopaminergic target. Based on the compelling behavioral pharmacology and selective basal ganglia expression of this G-protein-coupled receptor, its antagonists are now crossing the threshold of clinical development as adjunctive symptomatic treatment for relatively advanced PD. The antiparkinsonian potential of A(2A) antagonism has been boosted further by recent preclinical evidence that A(2A) antagonists might favorably alter the course as well as the symptoms of the disease. Convergent epidemiological and laboratory data have suggested that A(2A) blockade may confer neuroprotection against the underlying dopaminergic neuron degeneration. In addition, rodent and nonhuman primate studies have raised the possibility that A(2A) receptor activation contributes to the pathophysiology of dyskinesias-problematic motor complications of standard PD therapy--and that A(2A) antagonism might help prevent them. Realistically, despite being targeted to basal ganglia pathophysiology, A(2A) antagonists may be expected to have other beneficial and adverse effects elsewhere in the central nervous system (e.g., on mood and sleep) and in the periphery (e.g., on immune and inflammatory processes). The thoughtful design of new clinical trials of A(2A) antagonists should take into consideration these counterbalancing hopes and concerns and may do well to shift toward a broader set of disease-modifying as well as symptomatic indications in early PD.

Recent advances in the neurobiology of alcoholism: the role of adenosine

Neuronal responses to alcohol involve several hormone- and neurotransmitter-activated signal transduction pathways. Recent studies suggest that the adenosine A2 receptor (A2) mediates important actions of alcohol. Ethanol inhibits adenosine reuptake, increases extracellular adenosine, and promotes activation of A2. This leads to enhanced cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling ranging from increases in cAMP to stimulation of cAMP-dependent cAMP response element (CRE)-mediated gene expression. Medium spiny neurons in the striatum/nucleus accumbens (NAc) express A2 and dopamine D2 receptor (D2) on the same cells. Studies in model neuronal cell lines and primary neurons in culture expressing A2 and D2 provide evidence for synergy between ethanol/A2 and D2. Subthreshold concentrations of ethanol or a D2 agonist, without effect separately, synergistically activate cAMP/PKA signaling. Thus, neurons expressing A2 and D2 on the same cells, like in the NAc, are characterized by hypersensitivity to ethanol with a simultaneous activation of dopaminergic signaling. Synergy requires adenosine and appears to be mediated by the release of free betagamma dimers from G(i/o) via D2 activation. The release of free betagamma has pathophysiological significance in the drinking animal because specific blockade of betagamma signaling in the NAc strikingly reduces voluntary alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that signaling pathways, which regulate synergy between A2 and D2, might contain molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.

PhysiologicalControl ofImmuneResponse andInflammatoryTissueDamage byHypoxia-InducibleFactors andAdenosineA2AReceptors

Immune cell-mediated destruction of pathogens may result in excessive collateral damage to normal tissues, and the failure to control activated immune cells may cause immunopathologies. The search for physiological mechanisms that downregulate activated immune cells has revealed a critical role for extracellular adenosine and for immunosuppressive A2A adenosine receptors in protecting tissue from inflammatory damage. Tissue damage-associated deep hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors, and hypoxia-induced accumulation of adenosine may represent one of the most fundamental and immediate tissue-protecting mechanisms, with adenosine A2A receptors triggering "OFF" signals in activated immune cells. In these regulatory mechanisms, oxygen deprivation and extracellular adenosine accumulation serve as "reporters," while A2A adenosine receptors serve as "sensors" of excessive tissue damage. The A2A receptor-triggered generation of intracellular cAMP then inhibits activated immune cells in a delayed negative feedback manner to prevent additional tissue damage. Targeting A2A adenosine receptors may have important clinical applications.

Possible targeting of G protein coupled receptors to manipulate inflammation in vivo using synthetic and natural ligands

Cyclic AMP elevating Gs protein coupled receptors were considered for a long time to be immunosuppressive. One of these receptors, adenosine A(2A) receptor, was implicated in a physiological mechanism that down regulates inflammation and protects tissues from excessive immune mediated damage. Targeting of these receptors by selective agonists may lead to better protocols of anti-inflammatory treatments. At the same time inhibiting the Gs protein coupled mediated signalling with antagonists could be explored in studies of approaches to enhance inflammation and tissue damage. Enhancement of targeted tissue damage is highly desirable when it is cancerous tissue, while enhancement of inflammatory events might be desirable in the development of new vaccine adjuvants.

A1 adenosine receptors mediate hypoxia-induced ventriculomegaly

Periventricular leukomalacia is characterized by a reduction in brain matter and secondary ventriculomegaly and is a major cause of developmental delay and cerebral palsy in prematurely born infants. Currently, our understanding of the pathogenesis of this condition is limited. In animal models, features of periventricular leukomalacia can be induced by hypoxia and activation of A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs). Using mice that are deficient in the A1AR gene (A1AR-/-), we show that A1ARs play a prominent role in the development of hypoxia-induced ventriculomegaly in neonates. Supporting a role for adenosine in the pathogenesis of developmental brain injury, ventriculomegaly was also observed in mice lacking the enzyme adenosine deaminase, which degrades adenosine. Thus, adenosine acting on A1ARs appears to mediate hypoxia-induced brain injury ventriculomegaly during early postnatal development.

Molecular mechanisms and therapeutical implications of intramembrane receptor/receptor interactions among heptahelical receptors with examples from the striatopallidal GABA neurons

The molecular basis for the known intramembrane receptor/receptor interactions among G protein-coupled receptors was postulated to be heteromerization based on receptor subtype-specific interactions between different types of receptor homomers. The discovery of GABAB heterodimers started this field rapidly followed by the discovery of heteromerization among isoreceptors of several G protein-coupled receptors such as delta/kappa opioid receptors. Heteromerization was also discovered among distinct types of G protein-coupled receptors with the initial demonstration of somatostatin SSTR5/dopamine D2 and adenosine A1/dopamine D1 heteromeric receptor complexes. The functional meaning of these heteromeric complexes is to achieve direct or indirect (via adapter proteins) intramembrane receptor/receptor interactions in the complex. G protein-coupled receptors also form heteromeric complexes involving direct interactions with ion channel receptors, the best example being the GABAA/dopamine D5 receptor heteromerization, as well as with receptor tyrosine kinases and with receptor activity modulating proteins. As an example, adenosine, dopamine, and glutamate metabotropic receptor/receptor interactions in the striatopallidal GABA neurons are discussed as well as their relevance for Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug dependence. The heterodimer is only one type of heteromeric complex, and the evidence is equally compatible with the existence of higher order heteromeric complexes, where also adapter proteins such as homer proteins and scaffolding proteins can exist. These complexes may assist in the process of linking G protein-coupled receptors and ion channel receptors together in a receptor mosaic that may have special integrative value and may constitute the molecular basis for some forms of learning and memory.

Signalling from adenosine receptors to mitogen-activated protein kinases

The purine nucleoside adenosine acts via four distinct adenosine receptor subtypes: the adenosine A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3) receptor. They are all G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) coupling to classical second messenger pathways such as modulation of cAMP production or the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway. In addition, they couple to mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which could give them a role in cell growth, survival, death and differentiation. Although each of the adenosine receptors can activate one or more of the MAPKs, the mechanisms appear to differ substantially, both between receptor subtypes in the same cell type and between the same receptor in different cell types.

Enabling role of adenosine A1 receptors in adenosine A2A receptor-mediated striatal expression of c-fos

When striatal neurons are strongly activated they produce adenosine, which activates nearby adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs). Although the effects of A1R or A2AR activation on neural activity in the striatum have been examined separately, the effects of coactivating both receptors has not been investigated. Using c-Fos immunohistochemistry as an indicator of neural activity, we examined the effects of coactivation of A1Rs and A2ARs on neural activity and their mechanism of interaction in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex in rats. Administration of a motor-depressant dose of the A2AR agonist CGS 21680 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) did not significantly induce c-fos expression in any of these brain regions. Administration of a motor-depressant dose of the A1R agonist CPA (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a small but significant induction of c-fos expression only in the shell of the NAc. Coadministration of CGS 21680 and CPA produced a synergistic induction of c-fos expression in the caudate-putamen, cingulate cortex, and especially the NAc. In the shell of the NAc administration of CPA significantly decreased extracellular dopamine levels measured by in vivo microdialysis and blocked CGS 21680-induced increases in dopamine levels. Because it has been previously shown that activation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) by endogenous dopamine blocks A2AR-mediated c-fos expression, it is hypothesized that the enabling role of A1Rs in A2AR-mediated striatal c-fos expression is related to the A1R-mediated inhibition of dopamine release.

Alkylation of sulfhydryl groups on Galpha(s/olf) subunits by N-ethylmaleimide: regulation by guanine nucleotides

In rat striatum A(2A) adenosine receptors activate adenylyl cyclase through coupling to G(s)-like proteins, mainly G(olf) that is expressed at high levels in this brain region. In this study we report that the sulfhydryl alkylating reagent, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), causes a concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of [3H] 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino)-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine ([3H]CGS21680) binding to rat striatal membranes. Membrane treatment with [14C]N-ethylmaleimide ([14C]NEM) labels numerous proteins while addition of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) reduces labeling of only three protein bands that migrate in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with apparent molecular masses of approximately 52, 45 and 39 kDa, respectively. The 52- and 45-kDa labeled bands show electrophoretic motilities as Galpha(s)-long and Galpha(s)-short/Galpha(olf) subunits. An anti-Galpha(s/olf) antiserum immunoprecipitates two 14C labeled bands of 44 and 39 kDa. The band density decreases by 21-26% when membranes are treated with NEM in the presence of Gpp(NH)p. An anti-A(2A) receptor antibody also immunoprecipitates two 14C labeled bands of 40 and 38 kDa, respectively. However, such protein bands do not show any decrease of their density upon membrane treatment with NEM plus Gpp(NH)p. These results indicate that in rat striatal membranes NEM alkylates sulfhydryl groups of both Galpha(s/olf) subunits and A(2A) adenosine receptors. In addition, cysteine residues of Galpha(s/olf) are easily accessible to modification when the subunit is in the GDP-bound form. The 39- and 38-kDa labeled proteins may represent proteolytic fragments of Galpha(s/olf) and A(2A) adenosine receptor, respectively.

Adenosine A2A receptor-mediated facilitation of noradrenaline release involves protein kinase C activation and attenuation of presynaptic inhibitory receptor-mediated effects in the rat vas deferens

In the epididymal portion of rat vas deferens, facilitation of noradrenaline release mediated by adenosine A2A receptors, but not that mediated by beta2-adrenoceptors or by direct activation of adenylyl cyclase, was attenuated by blockade of alpha2-adrenoceptors and abolished by simultaneous blockade of alpha2-adrenoceptors, adenosine A1 and P2Y receptors. The adenosine A2A receptor-mediated facilitation was not changed by inhibitors of protein kinase A, protein kinase G or calmodulin kinase II but was prevented by inhibition of protein kinase C with chelerythrine or bisindolylmaleimide XI. Activation of protein kinase C with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate caused a facilitation of noradrenaline release that was abolished by bisindolylmaleimide XI and reduced by antagonists of alpha2-adrenoceptors, adenosine A1 and P2Y receptors. Activation of adenosine A2A receptors attenuated the inhibition of noradrenaline release mediated by the presynaptic inhibitory receptors. This effect was mimicked by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and prevented by bisindolylmaleimide XI. It is concluded that adenosine A2A receptors facilitate noradrenaline release by a mechanism that involves a protein kinase C-mediated attenuation of effects mediated by presynaptic inhibitory receptors, namely alpha2-adrenoceptors, adenosine A1 and P2Y receptors.

Immunolocalization of multiple Galpha subunits in mammalian spermatozoa and additional evidence for Galphas

Like somatic cells, mammalian spermatozoa appear to contain several different heterotrimeric G protein alpha-subunits that could mediate specialized cell responses. However, the precise Galpha subunits present, their subcellular location and their possible roles are still incompletely defined. In this study, using commercially available specific antibodies, we have shown by immunoblotting that Galpha(s) is present in human and mouse sperm lysates. Immunolocalization using intact spermatozoa from both species revealed this protein to be in the acrosomal cap region and the flagellum, particularly the principal piece. Treatment of permeabilized mouse spermatozoa with cholera toxin led to enhanced ADP-ribosylation of a protein the same size as Galpha(s), as well as an increase in cAMP, providing further proof for Galpha(s). Evidence for the presence and distinct localizations of Galpha(i2), Galpha(i3), Galpha(o), Galpha(q/11), and Galpha(olf) was also obtained. Of particular interest was Galpha(i2) which, like Galpha(s), was present in the acrosomal cap region and flagellum, the same regions where stimulatory and inhibitory adenosine receptors are localized. These observations are consistent with our hypothesis that G proteins mediate adenosine receptor modulation of adenylyl cyclase, with consequent alterations in cAMP production, apparently crucial for the spermatozoon's acquisition and maintenance of fertilizing ability.

Targeting G protein-coupled A2a adenosine receptors to engineer inflammation in vivo

G protein-coupled adenosine receptors are the subject of intense study as immunomodulators of inflammation especially since the recent demonstration that the A2a receptor acts to down-regulate inflammation and inhibit tissue damage in vivo [Nature 414 (6866) (2001) 916]. The adverse effects of overactive inflammation are evident in diseases e.g. sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis underscoring the importance of inhibiting inflammation or selectively enhancing inflammatory processes. It has been shown recently that the A2a adenosine receptor is a critical component of an endogenous "immunosuppressive loop" in which extracellular adenosine that accumulates due to local hypoxia caused by inflammatory insult signals through cAMP-elevating A2a receptors in a delayed negative feedback manner. Understanding how tissues regulate inflammation will provide the information necessary to allow for the engineering, or selective targeting, of endogenous inflammatory pathways. Recognition of A2a receptors as "natural" or endogenous brakes of inflammation provides the intellectual scaffolding needed to pursue these goals.

Metabotropic mGlu5 receptors regulate adenosine A2A receptor signaling

Dopamine, by activating dopamine D1-type receptors, and adenosine, by activating adenosine A(2A) receptors, stimulate phosphorylation of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of M(r) 32,000) at Thr-34. In this study, we investigated the effect of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors on DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr-34 in neostriatal slices. A broad-spectrum mGlu receptor agonist, trans-ACPD, and a group I mGlu receptor agonist, DHPG, stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation at Thr-34. Studies with mGlu receptor antagonists revealed that the effects of trans-ACPD and DHPG were mediated through activation of mGlu5 receptors. The action of mGlu5 receptors required activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors by endogenous adenosine. Conversely, the action of adenosine A(2A) receptors required activation of mGlu5 receptors by endogenous glutamate. Coactivation of mGlu5 and adenosine A(2A) receptors by exogenous agonists synergistically increased DARPP-32 phosphorylation. mGlu5 receptors did not require activation of dopamine D1-type receptors by endogenous dopamine, nor did dopamine D1-type receptors require activation of mGlu5 receptors by endogenous glutamate. DHPG potentiated the effect of forskolin, but not that of 8-bromo-cAMP, and stimulated DARPP-32 phosphorylation in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX, suggesting that mGlu5 receptors stimulate the rate of cAMP formation coupled to adenosine A(2A) receptors. The action of mGlu5 receptors was attenuated by inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, but not by inhibitors of phospholipase C, p38, casein kinase 1, or Cdk5. The results demonstrate that mGlu5 receptors potentiate adenosine A(2A)DARPP-32 signaling by stimulating the adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated formation of cAMP in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase-dependent manner.

Adenosine receptors in the nervous system: pathophysiological implications

Adenosine is a ubiquitous homeostatic substance released from most cells, including neurones and glia. Once in the extracellular space, adenosine modifies cell functioning by operating G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR; A(1), A(2A), A(2B), A(3)) that can inhibit (A(1)) or enhance (A(2)) neuronal communication. Interactions between adenosine receptors and other G-protein-coupled receptors, ionotropic receptors and receptors for neurotrophins also occur, and this might contribute to a fine-tuning of neuronal function. Manipulations of adenosine receptors influence sleep and arousal, cognition and memory, neuronal damage and degeneration, as well as neuronal maturation. These actions might have therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, as well as for other neurological situations such as epilepsy, idiopathic pain or even drug addition. Peripheral side effects associated with adenosine receptor agonists limit their usefulness in therapeutics; in contrast, adenosine receptor antagonists appear to have less side effects as it is the case of the well-known non-selective antagonists theophylline (present in tea) or caffeine (abundant in coffee and tea), and their emerging beneficial actions in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease are encouraging. A(1) receptor antagonism may also be useful to enhance cognition and facilitate arousal, as well as in the periphery when deficits of neurotransmitter release occur (e.g. myasthenic syndromes). Enhancement of extracellular adenosine levels through drugs that influence its metabolism might prove useful approaches in situations such as neuropathic pain, where enhanced activation of inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors is beneficial. One might then consider adenosine as a fine-tuning modulator of neuronal activity, which via subtle effects causes harmonic actions on neuronal activity. Whenever this homeostasis is disrupted, pathology may be installed and selective receptor antagonism or agonism required.

Dorsal horn-enriched genes identified by DNA microarray, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry

BACKGROUND

Neurons in the dorsal spinal cord play important roles in nociception and pain. These neurons receive input from peripheral sensory neurons and then transmit the signals to the brain, as well as receive and integrate descending control signals from the brain. Many molecules important for pain transmission have been demonstrated to be localized to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Further understanding of the molecular interactions and signaling pathways in the dorsal horn neurons will require a better knowledge of the molecular neuroanatomy in the dorsal spinal cord.

RESULTS

A large scale screening was conducted for genes with enriched expression in the dorsal spinal cord using DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR. In addition to genes known to be specifically expressed in the dorsal spinal cord, other neuropeptides, receptors, ion channels, and signaling molecules were also found enriched in the dorsal spinal cord. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed the cellular expression of a subset of these genes. The regulation of a subset of the genes was also studied in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) neuropathic pain model. In general, we found that the genes that are enriched in the dorsal spinal cord were not among those found to be up-regulated in the spinal nerve ligation model of neuropathic pain. This study also provides a level of validation of the use of DNA microarrays in conjunction with our novel analysis algorithm (SAFER) for the identification of differences in gene expression.

CONCLUSION

This study identified molecules that are enriched in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and provided a molecular neuroanatomy in the spinal cord, which will aid in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms important in nociception and pain.

Involvement of DARPP-32 phosphorylation in the stimulant action of caffeine

Caffeine has been imbibed since ancient times in tea and coffee, and more recently in colas. Caffeine owes its psychostimulant action to a blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptors, but little is known about its intracellular mechanism of action. Here we show that the stimulatory effect of caffeine on motor activity in mice was greatly reduced following genetic deletion of DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein of relative molecular mass 32,000). Results virtually identical to those seen with caffeine were obtained with the selective A(2A) antagonist SCH 58261. The depressant effect of the A(2A) receptor agonist, CGS 21680, on motor activity was also greatly attenuated in DARPP-32 knockout mice. In support of a role for DARPP-32 in the action of caffeine, we found that, in striata of intact mice, caffeine increased the state of phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr 75. Caffeine increased Thr 75 phosphorylation through inhibition of PP-2A-catalysed dephosphorylation, rather than through stimulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)-catalysed phosphorylation, of this residue. Together, these studies demonstrate the involvement of DARPP-32 and its phosphorylation/dephosphorylation in the stimulant action of caffeine.

Release inhibitory receptors activation favours the A2A-adenosine receptor-mediated facilitation of noradrenaline release in isolated rat tail artery

1. Interactions between A(2A)-adenosine receptors and alpha(2)-, A(1)- and P2- release-inhibitory receptors, on the modulation of noradrenaline release were studied in isolated rat tail artery. Preparations were labelled with [(3)H]-noradrenaline, superfused with desipramine-containing medium, and stimulated electrically (100 pulses at 5 Hz or 20 pulses at 50 Hz). 2. Blockade of alpha(2)-autoreceptors with yohimbine (1 microM) increased tritium overflow elicited by 100 pulses at 5 Hz but not by 20 pulses at 50 Hz. 3. The selective A(2A)-receptor agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680; 1-100 nM) enhanced tritium overflow elicited by 100 pulses at 5 Hz. Yohimbine prevented the effect of CGS 21680, which was restored by the A(1)-receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 100 nM) or by the P2-receptor agonist 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2-MeSATP; 80 microM). 4. CGS 21680 (100 nM) failed to increase tritium overflow elicited by 20 pulses at 50 Hz. The alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist 5-bromo-6-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-quinoxaline (UK 14304; 30 nM), the A(1)-receptor agonist CPA (100 nM) or the P2-receptor agonist 2-MeSATP (80 microM) reduced tritium overflow. In the presence of these agonists CGS 21680 elicited a facilitation of tritium overflow. 5. Blockade of potassium channels with tetraethylammonium (TEA; 5 mM) increased tritium overflow elicited by 100 pulses at 5 Hz to values similar to those obtained in the presence of yohimbine but did not prevent the effect of CGS 21680 (100 nM) on tritium overflow. 6. It is concluded that, in isolated rat tail artery, the facilitation of noradrenaline release mediated by A(2A)-adenosine receptors is favoured by activation of release inhibitory receptors.

Adenosine receptors: G protein-mediated signalling and the role of accessory proteins

Ever since the discovery of the effects of adenosine in the circulation, adenosine receptors continue to represent a promising drug target. Firstly, this is due to the fact that the receptors are expressed in a large variety of cells; in particular, the actions of adenosine (or, respectively, of the antagonistic methylxanthines) in the central nervous system, in the circulation, on immune cells and on other tissues can be beneficial in certain disorders. Secondly, there exists a large number of ligands, which have been generated by introducing several modifications in the structure of the lead compounds (adenosine and methylxanthine), some of them highly specific. Four adenosine receptor subtypes have been identified by molecular cloning; they belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors, which transfer signals by activating heterotrimeric G proteins. It has been appreciated recently that accessory proteins impinge on the receptor/G protein interaction and thus modulate the signalling reaction. These accessory components may be thought as adaptors that redirect the signalling pathway to elicit a cell-specific response. Here, we review the recent literature on adenosine receptors and place a focus on the role of accessory proteins in the organisation of adenosine receptor signalling. These components have been involved in receptor sorting, in the control of signal amplification and in the temporal regulation of receptor activity, while the existence of others is postulated on the basis of atypical cellular reactions elicited by receptor activation.

Galpha(olf) levels are regulated by receptor usage and control dopamine and adenosine action in the striatum

In the striatum, dopamine D(1) and adenosine A(2A) receptors stimulate the production of cAMP, which is involved in neuromodulation and long-lasting changes in gene expression and synaptic function. Positive coupling of receptors to adenylyl cyclase can be mediated through the ubiquitous GTP-binding protein Galpha(S) subunit or through the olfactory isoform, Galpha(olf), which predominates in the striatum. In this study, using double in situ hybridization, we show that virtually all striatal efferent neurons, identified by the expression of preproenkephalin A, substance P, or D(1) receptor mRNA, contained high amounts of Galpha(olf) mRNA and undetectable levels of Galpha(s) mRNA. In contrast, the large cholinergic interneurons contained both Galpha(olf) and Galpha(s) transcripts. To assess the functional relationship between dopamine or adenosine receptors and G-proteins, we examined G-protein levels in the striatum of D(1) and A(2A) receptor knock-out mice. A selective increase in Galpha(olf) protein was observed in these animals, without change in mRNA levels. Conversely, Galpha(olf) levels were decreased in animals lacking a functional dopamine transporter. These results indicate that Galpha(olf) protein levels are regulated through D(1) and A(2A) receptor usage. To determine the functional consequences of changes in Galpha(olf) levels, we used heterozygous Galpha(olf) knock-out mice, which possess half of the normal Galpha(olf) levels. In these animals, the locomotor effects of amphetamine and caffeine, two psychostimulant drugs that affect dopamine and adenosine signaling, respectively, were markedly reduced. Together, these results identify Galpha(olf) as a critical and regulated component of both dopamine and adenosine signaling.

The olfactory G protein G(alphaolf) possesses a lower GDP-affinity and deactivates more rapidly than G(salphashort): consequences for receptor-coupling and adenylyl cyclase activation

The olfactory G protein G(alphaolf) differs from the short splice variant of G(salpha) (G(salphaS)) in 80 amino acids, but little is known about biochemical differences between G(alphaolf) and G(salphaS). We addressed this question by analyzing fusion proteins of the beta2-adrenoceptor (beta2AR) and G(alphaolf) and G(salphaS), respectively, using Sf9 insect cells as expression system. The fusion ensured defined receptor/G protein stoichiometry and efficient coupling. High-affinity agonist binding studies showed that G(alphaolf) possesses a lower GDP-affinity than G(salphaS) As a result, the agonist-free beta2AR and the beta2AR occupied by partial agonists were more efficient at promoting GDP-dissociation from G(alphaolf) than from G(salphaS) a assessed by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding, adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and GTP hydrolysis. Basal AC activity in the absence of GTP was almost sixfold lower in membranes expressing beta2AR-G(alphaolf) than in membranes expressing beta2AR-G(salphaS) at similar levels, reflecting the lower abundance of G(alphaolf-GDP) relative to G(salphaS-GDP). The maximum agonist-stimulated AC activity with beta2AR-G(salphaS) was more than twofold higher than with beta2AR-G(alphaolf), but the relative agonist-stimulation of AC with beta2AR-G(alphaolf) was much greater than with beta2AR-G(salphaS). The difference in maximum AC activity can be explained by more rapid deactivation of G(alphaolf-GTP) by GTP hydrolysis and GTP dissociation relative to G(salphaS-GTP). Taken together, there are biochemical differences between G(alphaolf) and G(salphaS), supporting different roles of these G proteins in vivo.

Galpha(olf) is necessary for coupling D1 and A2a receptors to adenylyl cyclase in the striatum

In the brain, dopamine and adenosine stimulate cyclic AMP (cAMP) production through D1 and A2a receptors, respectively. Using mutant mice deficient in the olfactory isoform of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein alpha subunit, Galpha(olf), we demonstrate here the obligatory role of this protein in the adenylyl cyclase responses to dopamine and adenosine in the caudate putamen. Responses to dopamine were also dramatically decreased in the nucleus accumbens but remained unaffected in the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, in the caudate putamen of mice heterozygous for the mutation, the amounts of Galpha(olf) were half of the normal levels, and the efficacy of dopamine- and CGS 21680 A(2) agonist-stimulated cAMP production was decreased. Together, these results identify Galpha(olf) as a critical parameter in the responses to dopamine and adenosine in the basal ganglia.