Neuroprotection by adenosine in the brain: From A(1) receptor activation to A (2A) receptor blockade

Modulation of synaptic transmission by adenosine in layer 2/3 of the rat visual cortex in vitro

Adenosine is a wide-spread endogenous neuromodulator. In the central nervous system it activates A1 and A2A receptors (A1Rs and A2ARs) which have differential distributions, different affinities to adenosine, are coupled to different G-proteins, and have opposite effects on synaptic transmission. Although effects of adenosine are studied in detail in several brain areas, such as the hippocampus and striatum, the heterogeneity of the effects of A1R and A2AR activation and their differential distribution preclude generalization over brain areas and cell types. Here we study adenosine's effects on excitatory synaptic transmission to layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in slices of the rat visual cortex. We measured effects of bath application of adenosine receptor ligands on evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs), and membrane properties. Adenosine reduced the amplitude of evoked EPSPs and excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), and reduced frequency of mEPSPs in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner. Concurrent with EPSP/C amplitude reduction was an increase in the paired-pulse ratio. These effects were blocked by application of the selective A1R antagonist DPCPX (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine), suggesting that activation of presynaptic A1Rs suppresses excitatory transmission by reducing release probability. Adenosine (20μM) hyperpolarized the cell membrane from -65.3±1.5 to -67.7±1.8mV, and reduced input resistance from 396.5±44.4 to 314.0±36.3MOhm (∼20%). These effects were also abolished by DPCPX, suggesting postsynaptic A1Rs. Application of the selective A2AR antagonist SCH-58261 (2-(2-furanyl)-7-(2-phenylethyl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-a-mine) on the background of high adenosine concentrations revealed an additional decrease in EPSP amplitude. Moreover, application of the A2AR agonist CGS-21680 (4-[2-[[6-amino-9-(N-ethyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamidosyl)-9H-purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid hydrochloride) led to an A1R-dependent increase in mEPSP frequency. Dependence of the A2AR effects on the A1R availability suggests interaction between these receptors, whereby A2ARs exert their facilitatory effect on synaptic transmission by inhibiting the A1R-mediated suppression. Our results demonstrate functional pre and postsynaptic A1Rs and presynaptic A2ARs in layer 2/3 of the visual cortex, and suggest interaction between presynaptic A2ARs and A1Rs.

Glial adenosine kinase--a neuropathological marker of the epileptic brain

Experimental research over the past decade has supported the critical role of astrocytes activated by different types of injury and the pathophysiological processes that underlie the development of epilepsy. In both experimental and human epileptic tissues astrocytes undergo complex changes in their physiological properties, which can alter glio-neuronal communication, contributing to seizure precipitation and recurrence. In this context, understanding which of the molecular mechanisms are crucially involved in the regulation of glio-neuronal interactions under pathological conditions associated with seizure development is important to get more insight into the role of astrocytes in epilepsy. This article reviews current knowledge regarding the role of glial adenosine kinase as a neuropathological marker of the epileptic brain. Both experimental findings in clinically relevant models, as well as observations in drug-resistant human epilepsies will be discussed, highlighting the link between astrogliosis, dysfunction of adenosine homeostasis and seizure generation and therefore suggesting new strategies for targeting astrocyte-mediated epileptogenesis.

Continuous adenosine A2A receptor antagonism after focal cerebral ischemia in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Antagonism of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) has been shown to elicit substantial neuroprotective properties when given immediately after cerebral ischemia. We asked whether the continuous application of a selective A2AR antagonist within a clinically relevant time window will be a feasible and effective approach to treat focal cerebral ischemia. To answer this question, we subjected 20 male spontaneously hypertensive rats to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion and randomized them equally to a verum and a control group. Two hours after stroke onset, the animals received a subcutaneous implantation of an osmotic minipump filled with 5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC) or vehicle solution. The serum level of CSC was measured twice a day for three consecutive days. The infarct volume was determined at days 1 and 3 using magnetic resonance imaging. We found the serum level of CSC showing a bell-shaped curve with its maximum at 36 h. The infarct volume was not affected by continuous CSC treatment. These results suggest that delayed and continuous CSC application was not sufficient to treat acute ischemic stroke, potentially due to unfavorable hepatic elimination and metabolization of the pharmaceutical.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73)-mediated formation of adenosine is critical for the striatal adenosine A2A receptor functions

Adenosine is a neuromodulator acting through inhibitory A1 receptors (A1Rs) and facilitatory A2ARs, which have similar affinities for adenosine. It has been shown that the activity of intracellular adenosine kinase preferentially controls the activation of A1Rs, but the source of the adenosine activating A2ARs is unknown. We now show that ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), the major enzyme able to convert extracellular AMP into adenosine, colocalizes with A2ARs in the basal ganglia. In addition to astrocytes, striatal CD73 is prominently localized to postsynaptic sites. Notably, CD73 coimmunoprecipitated with A2ARs and proximity ligation assays confirmed the close proximity of CD73 and A2ARs in the striatum. Accordingly, the cAMP formation in synaptosomes as well as the hypolocomotion induced by a novel A2AR prodrug that requires CD73 metabolization to activate A2ARs were observed in wild-type mice, but not in CD73 knock-out (KO) mice or A2AR KO mice. Moreover, CD73 KO mice displayed increased working memory performance and a blunted amphetamine-induced sensitization, mimicking the phenotype of global or forebrain-A2AR KO mice, as well as upon pharmacological A2AR blockade. These results show that CD73-mediated formation of extracellular adenosine is responsible for the activation of striatal A2AR function. This study points to CD73 as a new target that can fine-tune A2AR activity, and a novel therapeutic target to manipulate A2AR-mediated control of striatal function and neurodegeneration.

The Janus face of caffeine

Caffeine is certainly the psychostimulant substance most consumed worldwide. Over the past years, chronic consumption of caffeine has been associated with prevention of cognitive decline associated to aging and mnemonic deficits of brain disorders. While its preventive effects have been reported extensively, the cognitive enhancer properties of caffeine are relatively under debate. Surprisingly, there are scarce detailed ontogenetic studies focusing on neurochemical parameters related to the effects of caffeine during prenatal and earlier postnatal periods. Furthermore, despite the large number of epidemiological studies, it remains unclear how safe is caffeine consumption during pregnancy and brain development. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review what is currently known about the actions of caffeine intake on neurobehavioral and adenosinergic system during brain development. We also reviewed other neurochemical systems affected by caffeine, but not only during brain development. Besides, some recent epidemiological studies were also outlined with the control of "pregnancy signal" as confounding variable. The idea is to tease out how studies on the impact of caffeine consumption during brain development deserve more attention and further investigation.

NeuroProtective effects of adenosine receptor agonist coadministration with ascorbic acid on CA1 hippocampus in a mouse model of ischemia reperfusion injury

Ischemic brain injury is a leading cause of sever neurological and neurobehavioral deficits and death. The hippocampus plays vital roles in learning and memory processes and it is impaired by ischemic insults. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion leads to Oxidative stress damage impairing the hippocampus. Here we tested whether ascorbic acid and adenosine receptor played a neuroprotective role in a mouse brain ischemia model induced by common carotid arteries occlusion. Adult male mice were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups. The animals were subjected to ischemia by the ligation of common carotid arteries for 15 min. Drugs were injected intrapritoneally once daily for 7 days. Behavioral tests performed at day 14 and then mice were killed at day 21 and their brains were fixed for microscopic studies and some samples were prepared for western blot analysis. Western blot analysis utilized to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteinsin the hippocampus. Short-term memory was assessed by shuttle-box test. Our findings revealed that administration of vitamin C and N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) significantly attenuated ischemia-induced brain injury. Vitamin C and CPA administration increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax in the ischemic mice. Ischemia caused short-term memory loss that was improved by vitamin c and CPA treatment. Our results demonstrate that treatment with vitamin C and adenosine receptor agonist attenuated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury as a potential neuroprotective agent.

Noise-induced cochlear inflammation

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disability with considerable social and economic implications. According to recent World Health Organization estimates, 360 million people worldwide suffer from moderate to profound hearing loss. Exposure to excessive noise is one of the major causes of sensorineural hearing loss, secondary only to age-related hearing loss (presbyacusis). Since cochlear tissues have limited abilities of repair and regeneration, this damage can be irreversible, leading to cochlear dysfunction and permanent hearing loss. Recent studies have shown that cochlear inflammation can be induced by noise exposure and contribute to the overall pathogenesis of cochlear injury and hearing loss. The cochlea is separated from the systemic circulation by the blood-labyrinth barrier, which is physiologically similar to the blood-brain barrier of the central nervous system. Because of this feature, the cochlea was originally considered an immunologically privileged organ. However, this postulate has been challenged by the evidence of an inflammatory response in the cochlea in the presence of bacterial or viral pathogens or antigens that can cause labyrinthitis. Although the main purpose of the inflammatory reaction is to protect against invading pathogens, the inflammatory response can also cause significant bystander injury to the delicate structures of the cochlea. The cochlear inflammatory response is characterised by the generation of proinflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules), and the recruitment of inflammatory cells (leukocytes). Here, we present an overview of the current research on cochlear inflammation, with particular emphasis on noise-induced cochlear inflammation. We also discuss treatment strategies aimed at the suppression of inflammation, which may potentially lead to mitigation of hearing loss.

Effects of adenosine receptor antagonists on the in vivo LPS-induced inflammation model of Parkinson's disease

The study shows effects of the nonselective adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist caffeine and the selective A2A receptor antagonist KW6002 on LPS-induced changes in the extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), glutamate, adenosine, hydroxyl radical, and A2A receptor density in the rat striatum. Intrastriatal LPS (10 μg) injection decreased extracellular level of DA and increased the level of adenosine, glutamate, and hydroxyl radical on the ipsilateral side 24 h after LPS administration. Caffeine (10 and 20 mg/kg i.p.) and KW6002 (1.5 and 3 mg/kg i.p.) given once daily for 6 days and on the 7th day 2 h before and 4 h after LPS injection reversed the LPS-induced changes in extracellular levels of DA, adenosine, glutamate, and hydroxyl radical production. Moreover, LPS-induced decrease in the striatal A2A receptor density was increased by caffeine and KW6002. In order to show the late LPS effect on oxidative damage of DA neurons, the contents of DA, DOPAC, HVA, and hydroxyl radical were determined 72 h after LPS (10 μg) administration into both striata. LPS decreased striatal and substantia nigra content of DA, DOPAC, and HVA while increased striatal but not nigral content of hydroxyl radical. Caffeine (20 mg/kg) and KW60002 (3 mg/kg) given once daily for 6 days and on the 7th day 2 h before and 4 h after intrastriatal injection of LPS normalized the content of DA and its metabolites in both brain regions as well as decreased LPS-induced increase in the striatal level of hydroxyl radical. In conclusion, our data demonstrated antioxidant effects of caffeine and KW6002 in the inflammatory model of PD.

Redox-sensitive synchronizing action of adenosine on transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction

The kinetics of neurotransmitter release was recognized recently as an important contributor to synaptic efficiency. Since adenosine is the ubiquitous modulator of presynaptic release in peripheral and central synapses, in the current project we studied the action of this purine on the timing of acetylcholine quantal release from motor nerve terminals in the skeletal muscle. Using extracellular recording from frog neuromuscular junction we tested the action of adenosine on the latencies of single quantal events in the pro-oxidant and antioxidant conditions. We found that adenosine, in addition to previously known inhibitory action on release probability, also synchronized release by removing quantal events with long latencies. This action of adenosine on release timing was abolished by oxidants whereas in the presence of the antioxidant the synchronizing action of adenosine was further enhanced. Interestingly, unlike the timing of release, the inhibitory action of adenosine on release probability was redox-independent. Modulation of release timing by adenosine was mediated by purinergic A1 receptors as it was eliminated by the specific A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and mimicked by the specific A1 agonist N(6)-cyclopentyl-adenosine. Consistent with data obtained from dispersion of single quantal events, adenosine also reduced the rise-time of multiquantal synaptic currents. The latter effect was reproduced in the model based on synchronizing effect of adenosine on release timing. Thus, adenosine which is generated at the neuromuscular junction from the breakdown of the co-transmitter ATP induces the synchronization of quantal events. The effect of adenosine on release timing should preserve the fidelity of synaptic transmission via "cost-effective" use of less transmitter quanta. Our findings also revealed important crosstalk between purinergic and redox modulation of synaptic processes which could take place in the elderly or in neuromuscular diseases associated with oxidative stress like lateral amyotrophic sclerosis.

A disruption mechanism of the molecular clock in a MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and dopamine depletion in the striatum. Although the motor symptoms are still regarded as the main problem, non-motor symptoms in PD also markedly impair the quality of life. Several non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and depression, are suggested to be implicated in the alteration in circadian clock function. In this study, we investigated circadian disruption and the mechanism in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. MPTP-treated mice exhibited altered 24-h rhythms in body temperature and locomotor activity. In addition, MPTP treatment also affected the circadian clock system at the genetic level. The exposure of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) to 1-metyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) increased or decreased the mRNA levels of several clock genes in a dose-dependent manner. MPP(+)-induced changes in clock genes expression were reversed by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Most importantly, addition of ATP to the drinking water of MPTP-treated mice attenuated neurodegeneration in dopaminergic neurons, suppressed AMPK activation and prevented circadian disruption. The present findings suggest that the activation of AMPK caused circadian dysfunction, and ATP may be a novel therapeutic strategy based on the molecular clock in PD.

Caffeine regulates frontocorticostriatal dopamine transporter density and improves attention and cognitive deficits in an animal model of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) likely involves dopaminergic dysfunction in the frontal cortex and striatum, resulting in cognitive and motor abnormalities. Since both adenosine and dopamine modulation systems are tightly intertwined, we tested if caffeine (a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist) attenuated the behavioral and neurochemical changes in adolescent spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, a validated ADHD animal model) compared to their control strain (Wistar Kyoto rats, WKY). SHR were hyperactive and had poorer performance in the attentional set-shifting and Y-maze paradigms and also displayed increased dopamine transporter (DAT) density and increased dopamine uptake in frontocortical and striatal terminals compared with WKY rats. Chronic caffeine treatment was devoid of effects in WKY rats while it improved memory and attention deficits and also normalized dopaminergic function in SHR. Additionally, we provide the first direct demonstration for the presence of adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) in frontocortical nerve terminals, whose density was increased in SHR. These findings underscore the potential for caffeine treatment to normalize frontocortical dopaminergic function and to abrogate attention and cognitive changes characteristic of ADHD.

Therapeutic effect of caffeine treatment immediately following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury on spatial memory in male rats

Hypoxia Ischemia (HI) refers to the disruption of blood and/or oxygen delivery to the brain. Term infants suffering perinatal complications that result in decreased blood flow and/or oxygen delivery to the brain are at risk for HI. Among a variety of developmental delays in this population, HI injured infants demonstrate subsequent memory deficits. The Rice-Vannucci rodent HI model can be used to explore behavioral deficits following early HI events, as well as possible therapeutic agents to help reduce deleterious outcomes. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist that has recently shown promising results as a therapeutic agent following HI injury. The current study sought to investigate the therapeutic benefit of caffeine following early HI injury in male rats. On post-natal day (P) 7, HI injury was induced (cauterization of the right common carotid artery, followed by two hours of 8% oxygen). Male sham animals received only a midline incision with no manipulation of the artery followed by room air exposure for two hours. Subsets of HI and sham animals then received either an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of caffeine (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (sterile saline) immediately following hypoxia. All animals later underwent testing on the Morris Water Maze (MWM) from P90 to P95. Results show that HI injured animals (with no caffeine treatment) displayed significant deficits on the MWM task relative to shams. These deficits were attenuated by caffeine treatment when given immediately following the induction of HI. We also found a reduction in right cortical volume (ipsilateral to injury) in HI saline animals as compared to shams, while right cortical volume in the HI caffeine treated animals was intermediate. These findings suggest that caffeine is a potential therapeutic agent that could be used in HI injured infants to reduce brain injury and preserve subsequent cognitive function.

Adenosine A(2A) receptor blockade reverts hippocampal stress-induced deficits and restores corticosterone circadian oscillation

Maternal separation (MS) is an early life stress model that induces permanent changes in the central nervous system, impairing hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial working memory. There are compelling evidences for a role of hippocampal adenosine A(2A) receptors in stress-induced modifications related to cognition, thus opening a potential window for therapeutic intervention. Here, we submitted rats to MS and evaluated the long-lasting molecular, electrophysiological and behavioral impairments in adulthood. We then assessed the therapeutic potential of KW6002, a blocker of A(2A) receptors, in stress-impaired animals. We report that the blockade of A(2A) receptors was efficient in reverting the behavior, electrophysiological and morphological impairments induced by MS. In addition, this effect is associated with restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) activity, as both the plasma corticosterone levels and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression pattern returned to physiological-like status after the treatment. These results reveal the involvement of A(2A) receptors in the stress-associated impairments and directly in the stress response system by showing that the dysfunction of the HPA-axis as well as the long-lasting synaptic and behavioral effects of MS can be reverted by targeting adenosine A(2A) receptors. These findings provide a novel evidence for the use of adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists as potential therapy against psychopathologies.

Decreased extracellular adenosine levels lead to loss of hypoxia-induced neuroprotection after repeated episodes of exposure to hypoxia

Achieving a prolonged neuroprotective state following transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) is likely to effectively reduce the brain damage and neurological dysfunction associated with recurrent stroke. HPC is a phenomenon in which advanced exposure to mild hypoxia reduces the stroke volume produced by a subsequent TIA. However, this neuroprotection is not long-lasting, with the effects reaching a peak after 3 days. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the use of multiple episodes of hypoxic exposure at different time intervals to induce longer-term protection in a mouse stroke model. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to different hypoxic preconditioning protocols: a single episode of HPC or five identical episodes at intervals of 3 days (E3d HPC) or 6 days (E6d HPC). Three days after the last hypoxic exposure, temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was induced. The effects of these HPC protocols on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulated gene mRNA expression were measured by quantitative PCR. Changes in extracellular adenosine concentrations, known to exert neuroprotective effects, were also measured using in vivo microdialysis and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neuroprotection was provided by E6d HPC but not E3d HPC. HIF-regulated target gene expression increased significantly following all HPC protocols. However, E3d HPC significantly decreased extracellular adenosine and reduced cerebral blood flow in the ischemic region with upregulated expression of the adenosine transporter, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). An ENT1 inhibitor, propentofylline increased the cerebral blood flow and re-established neuroprotection in E3d HPC. Adenosine receptor specific antagonists showed that adenosine mainly through A1 receptor mediates HPC induced neuroprotection. Our data indicate that cooperation of HIF-regulated genes and extracellular adenosine is necessary for HPC-induced neuroprotection.

A consensus panel review of central nervous system effects of the exposure to low-intensity extremely low-frequency magnetic fields

BACKGROUND

A large number of studies explored the biological effects of extremely low-frequency (0-300 Hz) magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on nervous system both at cellular and at system level in the intact human brain reporting several functional changes. However, the results of different studies are quite variable and the mechanisms of action of ELF-MFs are still poorly defined. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of ELF-MFs on nervous system.

METHODS

We convened a workgroup of researchers in the field to review and discuss the available data about the nervous system effects produced by the exposure to ELF-MFs.

MAIN FINDINGS/DISCUSSION

We reviewed several methodological, experimental and clinical studies and discussed the findings in five sections. The first section analyses the devices used for ELF-MF exposure. The second section reviews the contribution of the computational methods and models for investigating the interaction between ELF-MFs and neuronal systems. The third section analyses the experimental data at cellular and tissue level showing the effects on cell membrane receptors and intracellular signaling and their correlation with neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. The fourth section reviews the studies performed in the intact human brain evaluating the changes produced by ELF-MFs using neurophysiological and neuropsychological methods. The last section shows the limits and shortcomings of the available data, evidences the key challenges in the field and tracks directions for future research.

Acetate supplementation increases brain phosphocreatine and reduces AMP levels with no effect on mitochondrial biogenesis

Acetate supplementation in rats increases plasma acetate and brain acetyl-CoA levels. Although acetate is used as a marker to study glial energy metabolism, the effect that acetate supplementation has on normal brain energy stores has not been quantified. To determine the effect(s) that an increase in acetyl-CoA levels has on brain energy metabolism, we measured brain nucleotide, phosphagen and glycogen levels, and quantified cardiolipin content and mitochondrial number in rats subjected to acetate supplementation. Acetate supplementation was induced with glyceryl triacetate (GTA) by oral gavage (6 g/kg body weight). Rats used for biochemical analysis were euthanized using head-focused microwave irradiation at 2, and 4h following treatment to immediately stop metabolism. We found that acetate did not alter brain ATP, ADP, NAD, GTP levels, or the energy charge ratio [ECR, (ATP+½ ADP)/(ATP+ADP+AMP)] when compared to controls. However, after 4h of treatment brain phosphocreatine levels were significantly elevated with a concomitant reduction in AMP levels with no change in glycogen levels. In parallel studies where rats were treated with GTA for 28 days, we found that acetate did not alter brain glycogen and mitochondrial biogenesis as determined by measuring brain cardiolipin content, the fatty acid composition of cardiolipin and using quantitative ultra-structural analysis to determine mitochondrial density/unit area of cytoplasm in hippocampal CA3 neurons. Collectively, these data suggest that an increase in brain acetyl-CoA levels by acetate supplementation does increase brain energy stores however it has no effect on brain glycogen and neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis.

Chronic caffeine prevents changes in inhibitory avoidance memory and hippocampal BDNF immunocontent in middle-aged rats

Beneficial effects of caffeine on memory processes have been observed in animal models relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and aging, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Because brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with memory formation and BDNF's actions are modulated by adenosine receptors, the molecular targets for the psychostimulant actions of caffeine, we here compare the effects of chronic caffeine (1 mg/mL drinking solution for 30 days) on short- and long term memory and on levels of hippocampal proBDNF, mature BDNF, TrkB and CREB in young (3 month old) and middle-aged (12 month old) rats. Caffeine treatment substantially reduced i) age-related impairments in the two types of memory in an inhibitory avoidance paradigm, and ii) parallel increases in hippocampal BDNF levels. In addition, chronic caffeine increased proBDNF and CREB concentrations, and decreased TrkB levels, in hippocampus regardless of age. These data provide new evidence in favor of the hypothesis that modifications in BDNF and related proteins in the hippocampus contribute to the pro-cognitive effects of caffeine on age-associated losses in memory encoding. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Cognitive Enhancers'.

Long-term proline exposure alters nucleotide catabolism and ectonucleotidase gene expression in zebrafish brain

Hyperprolinemia is an inherited disorder of proline metabolism and hyperprolinemic patients can present neurological manifestations, such as seizures cognitive dysfunctions, and psychotic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms are still unclear. Since adenine nucleotides play crucial roles in neurotransmission and neuromodulation, we evaluated the in vivo and in vitro effects of proline on ectonucleotidase activities and gene expression in zebrafish brain. For the in vivo studies, animals were exposed at two proline concentrations (1.5 and 3.0 mM) during 1 h or 7 days (short- or long-term treatments, respectively). For the in vitro assays, different proline concentrations (ranging from 3.0 to 1000 μM) were tested. Short-term proline exposure did not promote significant changes on the ectonucleotidase activities and gene expression. Long-term proline exposure significantly increased ATP catabolism in both concentrations tested (14 % and 22 %, respectively), whereas ADP and AMP hydrolysis were increased only at 3.0 mM proline (21 % and 17 %, respectively) when compared to control. Moreover, the relative gene expression of enpd3 increased in both treated groups after long-term proline, whereas enptd1 increased only at 3.0 mM proline. Proline in vitro did not promote significant changes on ectonucleotidase activities. Altogether, these data indicate that the enzymes responsible for the control of extracellular nucleotides levels might be altered after proline exposure in zebrafish, contributing to better understand the pathophysiology of this disease. Moreover, such findings might facilitate the use of the zebrafish as a complementary vertebrate model for studying inborn errors of amino acid metabolism.

Blockade of adenosine A2A receptors prevents interleukin-1β-induced exacerbation of neuronal toxicity through a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Background and purpose

Blockade of adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2AR) affords robust neuroprotection in a number of brain conditions, although the mechanisms are still unknown. A likely candidate mechanism for this neuroprotection is the control of neuroinflammation, which contributes to the amplification of neurodegeneration, mainly through the abnormal release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin(IL)-1β. We investigated whether A_2AR controls the signaling of IL-1β and its deleterious effects in cultured hippocampal neurons.

Methods

Hippocampal neuronal cultures were treated with IL-1β and/or glutamate in the presence or absence of the selective A_2AR antagonist, SCH58261 (50 nmol/l). The effect of SCH58261 on the IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 was evaluated by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The effect of SCH58261 on glutamate-induced neurodegeneration in the presence or absence of IL-1β was evaluated by nucleic acid and by propidium iodide staining, and by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Finally, the effect of A_2AR blockade on glutamate-induced intracellular calcium, in the presence or absence of IL-1β, was studied using single-cell calcium imaging.

Results

IL-1β (10 to 100 ng/ml) enhanced both JNK and p38 phosphorylation, and these effects were prevented by the IL-1 type 1 receptor antagonist IL-1Ra (5 μg/ml), in accordance with the neuronal localization of IL-1 type 1 receptors, including pre-synaptically and post-synaptically. At 100 ng/ml, IL-1β failed to affect neuronal viability but exacerbated the neurotoxicity induced by treatment with 100 μmol/l glutamate for 25 minutes (evaluated after 24 hours). It is likely that this resulted from the ability of IL-1β to enhance glutamate-induced calcium entry and late calcium deregulation, both of which were unaffected by IL-1β alone. The selective A_2AR antagonist, SCH58261 (50 nmol/l), prevented both the IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of JNK and p38, as well as the IL-1β-induced deregulation of calcium and the consequent enhanced neurotoxicity, whereas it had no effect on glutamate actions.

Conclusions

These results prompt the hypothesis that the neuroprotection afforded by A_2AR blockade might result from this particular ability of A_2AR to control IL-1β-induced exacerbation of excitotoxic neuronal damage, through the control of MAPK activation and late calcium deregulation.

Genetically controlled upregulation of adenosine A(1) receptor expression enhances the survival of primary cortical neurons

Adenosine has a key endogenous neuroprotective role in the brain, predominantly mediated by the adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)R). This has been mainly explored using pharmacological tools and/or receptor knockout mice strains. It has long been suggested that the neuroprotective effects of A(1)R are increased following receptor upregulation, thus attenuating neuronal damage in pathological conditions. We have previously shown that the neuroprotective and neuromodulatory actions of the cytokines IL-6 and oncostatin M are mediated by induction of neuronal A(1)R expression. In order to investigate the direct effects of A(1)R upregulation in neurons, we have generated a tetracycline-regulated expression system with a bidirectional promoter, directing the simultaneous expression of the mouse A(1)R and GFP/mCherry reporter genes. In a first step, we tested the efficacy of the system in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. In addition, we confirmed the functional integrity of the expressed A(1)R by whole-cell patch clamp recordings. We demonstrated that A(1)R-transfected primary neurons show enhanced survival against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity. Pretreatment with an A(1)R-selective agonist additionally strongly decreased neuronal cell death, while an A(1)R antagonist completely abolished the neuroprotective effects of A(1)R upregulation. The presented data provide for the first time direct evidence that the upregulation of A(1)R enhances neuronal survival.

Putative depolarisation-induced retrograde signalling accelerates the repeated hypoxic depression of excitatory synaptic transmission in area CA1 of rat hippocampus via group I metabotropic glutamate receptors

Excitatory synaptic transmission in area CA1 of the mammalian hippocampus is rapidly depressed during hypoxia. The depression is largely attributable to an increase in extracellular adenosine and activation of inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors on presynaptic glutamatergic terminals. However, sequential exposure to hypoxia results in a slower subsequent hypoxic depression of excitatory synaptic transmission, a phenomenon we have previously ascribed to a reduction in the release of extracellular adenosine. In the present study we show that this delayed depression of excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) to repeated hypoxia can be reversed by a period of postsynaptic depolarisation delivered to an individual CA1 neuron, under whole-cell voltage clamp, between two periods of hypoxia. The depolarisation-induced acceleration of the hypoxic depression of the EPSC is dependent upon postsynaptic Ca(2+) influx, the activation of PKC and is blocked by intracellular application of GDP-β-S and N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), inhibitors of membrane fusion events. In addition, the acceleration of the hypoxic depression of the EPSC was prevented by the GI mGluR antagonist AIDA, but not by the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251. Our results suggest a process initiated in the postsynaptic cell that can influence glutamate release during subsequent metabolic stress. This may reflect a novel neuroprotective strategy potentially involving retrograde release of adenosine and/or glutamate.

Extrasynaptic neurotransmission in the modulation of brain function. Focus on the striatal neuronal-glial networks

Extrasynaptic neurotransmission is an important short distance form of volume transmission (VT) and describes the extracellular diffusion of transmitters and modulators after synaptic spillover or extrasynaptic release in the local circuit regions binding to and activating mainly extrasynaptic neuronal and glial receptors in the neuroglial networks of the brain. Receptor-receptor interactions in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) heteromers play a major role, on dendritic spines and nerve terminals including glutamate synapses, in the integrative processes of the extrasynaptic signaling. Heteromeric complexes between GPCR and ion-channel receptors play a special role in the integration of the synaptic and extrasynaptic signals. Changes in extracellular concentrations of the classical synaptic neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA found with microdialysis is likely an expression of the activity of the neuron-astrocyte unit of the brain and can be used as an index of VT-mediated actions of these two neurotransmitters in the brain. Thus, the activity of neurons may be functionally linked to the activity of astrocytes, which may release glutamate and GABA to the extracellular space where extrasynaptic glutamate and GABA receptors do exist. Wiring transmission (WT) and VT are fundamental properties of all neurons of the CNS but the balance between WT and VT varies from one nerve cell population to the other. The focus is on the striatal cellular networks, and the WT and VT and their integration via receptor heteromers are described in the GABA projection neurons, the glutamate, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and histamine striatal afferents, the cholinergic interneurons, and different types of GABA interneurons. In addition, the role in these networks of VT signaling of the energy-dependent modulator adenosine and of endocannabinoids mainly formed in the striatal projection neurons will be underlined to understand the communication in the striatal cellular networks.

Unmasking adenosine 2A receptors (A2ARs) in monkey basal ganglia output neurons using cholera toxin subunit B (CTB)

The A(2A)R has become a therapeutic target in Parkinson disease due to its functional role in the striatum, capable of modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia. No conclusive evidence, however, has been provided to demonstrate the existence of A(2A)Rs in the output nuclei of the basal ganglia: the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques we have confirmed the presence of A(2A)Rs in both the striatum (medium spiny and cholinergic neurons) and the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe), in the monkey. The antibody routinely used to label A(2A)Rs failed to detect A(2A)R-positive neurons in the GPi and SNr, however, in situ hybridization showed that A(2A)R mRNA transcripts were indeed present in both these nuclei. Surprisingly, by labeling pallidothalamic and nigrothalamic projection neurons originating in the GPi and SNr with the neuronal retrograde tracer cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), the receptor protein was unmasked and detectable using the antibody. This unmasking of the protein was specific to CTB and not an artifact of the tracer. We have shown unequivocally that the A(2A)R is present in the output nuclei of the primate basal ganglia, however, to be able to detect the receptor immunohistochemically, unmasking the protein with CTB was necessary. The presence of A(2A)Rs in the GPi and SNr suggests that these output nuclei could be targeted therapeutically in Parkinson disease to restore abnormal activity in the basal ganglia.

Adenosine A(2A)-cannabinoid CB(1) receptor interaction: an integrative mechanism in striatal glutamatergic neurotransmission

The striatum is a subcortical area involved in sensorimotor, cognitive and emotional processes. Adenosine A(2A) receptors (A(2A)Rs) are highly expressed in the striatum, and their ability to establish functional and molecular interactions with many other receptors attributes to a pivotal role in the modulation and integration of striatal neurotransmission. This review will focus on the interaction between A(2A)Rs and cannabinoid CB(1) receptors (CB(1)Rs), taking it as a paradigmatic example of synaptic integration. Indeed, A(2A)Rs can exert an opposite (permissive vs. inhibitory) influence on CB1-dependent synaptic effect. These apparently irreconcilable functions could depend on a different role of pre- vs. postsynaptic A(2A)Rs, on their interaction with other receptors (namely adenosine A(1), metabotropic glutamate 5 and dopamine D2 receptors), and on whether A(2A)Rs form or not heteromers with CB(1)Rs. Besides providing a good example of the intricate pattern of events taking place in striatal synapses, the A(2A)/CB(1)R interaction proves very informative to understand the physiology of the basal ganglia and the mechanisms of related diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Brain Integration.

Adenosinergic system: an assorted approach to therapeutics for drug addiction

Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside and it is extensively present in the brain. It exerts several metabolic and neuromodulatory roles in the body. Adenosine also acts as an important messenger molecule for extracellular signaling and shows a homeostatic neuromodulatory function at the synaptic level. Extracellular adenosine exerts a wide variety of biological actions through four cell surface G-protein-coupled receptor subtypes, namely A1, A2A, A2B and A3 adenosine receptors. The extracellular levels of adenosine have been found to be enhanced in several neuropathological conditions, including drug addiction, and thus a neuroprotective role of adenosine was perceived by various experimental studies. The aversive withdrawal symptoms emanating from drug discontinuation provokes rebound drug intake patterns. In addition, alteration of neurotransmitter(s) release and changes in receptor expression contribute to the behavioral changes of drug withdrawal. Furthermore, the abuse of major drugs such as alcohol and opioids are reported to modulate extracellular adenosine levels. In this context, the neuromodulatory functions of adenosine would be valuable if projected to the clinical applications and thus, an increasing attention is currently given to the functional role of adenosine in human addictive disorders. This review will focus on recent clinical and experimental studies that reveal the actions of adenosine and related ligands in drug addiction and various drug-withdrawal syndromes. The evidence and reports provided in this review highlight the looming therapeutic potential of purinergic drugs, with a hope that new therapeutic interventions based on the adenosinergic concept will emerge in the coming years for the management of drug withdrawal syndrome.

Caffeine consumption prevents diabetes-induced memory impairment and synaptotoxicity in the hippocampus of NONcZNO10/LTJ mice

Diabetic conditions are associated with modified brain function, namely with cognitive deficits, through largely undetermined processes. More than understanding the underlying mechanism, it is important to devise novel strategies to alleviate diabetes-induced cognitive deficits. Caffeine (a mixed antagonist of adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptors) emerges as a promising candidate since caffeine consumption reduces the risk of diabetes and effectively prevents memory deficits caused by different noxious stimuli. Thus, we took advantage of a novel animal model of type 2 diabetes to investigate the behavioural, neurochemical and morphological modifications present in the hippocampus and tested if caffeine consumption might prevent these changes. We used a model closely mimicking the human type 2 diabetes condition, NONcNZO10/LtJ mice, which become diabetic at 7-11 months when kept under an 11% fat diet. Caffeine (1 g/l) was applied in the drinking water from 7 months onwards. Diabetic mice displayed a decreased spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze accompanied by a decreased density of nerve terminal markers (synaptophysin, SNAP25), mainly glutamatergic (vesicular glutamate transporters), and increased astrogliosis (GFAP immunoreactivity) compared to their wild type littermates kept under the same diet. Furthermore, diabetic mice displayed up-regulated A(2A) receptors and down-regulated A(1) receptors in the hippocampus. Caffeine consumption restored memory performance and abrogated the diabetes-induced loss of nerve terminals and astrogliosis. These results provide the first evidence that type 2 diabetic mice display a loss of nerve terminal markers and astrogliosis, which is associated with memory impairment; furthermore, caffeine consumption prevents synaptic dysfunction and astrogliosis as well as memory impairment in type 2 diabetes.

Regulation of foam cells by adenosine

Macrophages rely on reverse cholesterol transport mechanisms to rid themselves of excess cholesterol. By reducing accumulation of cholesterol in the artery wall, reverse cholesterol transport slows or prevents development of atherosclerosis. In stable macrophages, efflux mechanisms balance influx mechanisms, and accumulating lipids do not overwhelm the cell. Under atherogenic conditions, inflow of cholesterol exceeds outflow, and the cell is ultimately transformed into a foam cell, the prototypical cell in the atherosclerotic plaque. Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside released from metabolically active cells by facilitated diffusion and generated extracellularly from adenine nucleotides. Under stress conditions, such as hypoxia, a depressed cellular energy state leads to an acute increase in the extracellular concentration of adenosine. Extracellular adenosine interacts with 1 or more of a family of G protein-coupled receptors (A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3)) to modulate the function of nearly all cells and tissues. Modulation of adenosine signaling participates in regulation of reverse cholesterol transport. Of particular note for the development of atherosclerosis, activation of A(2A) receptors dramatically inhibits inflammation and protects against tissue injury. Potent antiatherosclerotic effects of A(2A) receptor stimulation include inhibition of macrophage foam cell transformation and upregulation of the reverse cholesterol transport proteins cholesterol 27-hydroxylase and ATP binding cassette transporter A1. Thus, A(2A) receptor agonists may correct or prevent the adverse effects of inflammatory processes on cellular cholesterol homeostasis. This review focuses on the importance of extracellular adenosine acting at specific receptors as a regulatory mechanism to control the formation of foam cells under conditions of lipid loading.

Purine nucleosides: endogenous neuroprotectants in hypoxic brain

Even a short blockade of oxygen flow in brain may lead to the inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation and depletion of cellular ATP, which results in profound deficiencies in cellular function. Following ischemia, dying, injured, and hypoxic cells release soluble purine-nucleotide and -nucleoside pools. Growing evidence suggests that purine nucleosides might act as trophic factors in the CNS and PNS. In addition to equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) regulating purine nucleoside concentrations intra- and extracellularly, specific extracellular receptor subtypes for these compounds are expressed on neurons, glia, and endothelial cells, mediating stunningly diverse effects. Such effects range from induction of cell differentiation, apoptosis, mitogenesis, and morphogenetic changes, to stimulation of synthesis and/or release of cytokines and neurotrophic factors under both physiological and pathological conditions. Multiple signaling pathways regulate the critical balance between cell death and survival in hypoxia-ischemia. A convergent pathway for the regulation of multiple modalities involved in O₂ sensing is the mitogen activated protein kinase (p42/44 MAPK) or (ERK1/2 extracellular signal-regulated kinases) pathway terminating in a variety of transcription factors, for example, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. In this review, the coherence of purine nucleoside-related pathways and MAPK activation in the endogenous neuroprotective regulation of the nervous system's development and neuroplasticity under hypoxic stress will be discussed.

Microglia and neuronal cell death

Microglia, the brain's innate immune cell type, are cells of mesodermal origin that populate the central nervous system (CNS) during development. Undifferentiated microglia, also called ameboid microglia, have the ability to proliferate, phagocytose apoptotic cells and migrate long distances toward their final destinations throughout all CNS regions, where they acquire a mature ramified morphological phenotype. Recent studies indicate that ameboid microglial cells not only have a scavenger role during development but can also promote the death of some neuronal populations. In the mature CNS, adult microglia have highly motile processes to scan their territorial domains, and they display a panoply of effects on neurons that range from sustaining their survival and differentiation contributing to their elimination. Hence, the fine tuning of these effects results in protection of the nervous tissue, whereas perturbations in the microglial response, such as the exacerbation of microglial activation or lack of microglial response, generate adverse situations for the organization and function of the CNS. This review discusses some aspects of the relationship between microglial cells and neuronal death/survival both during normal development and during the response to injury in adulthood.

Adenosine A2A receptors modulate glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes and gliosomes

Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, where its toxic build-up leads to synaptic dysfunction and excitotoxic cell death that underlies many neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, efforts have been made to understand the regulation of glutamate transporters, which are responsible for the clearance of extracellular glutamate. We now report that adenosine A(2A) receptors (A(2A) R) control the uptake of D-aspartate in primary cultured astrocytes as well as in an ex vivo preparation enriched in glial plasmalemmal vesicles (gliosomes) from adult rats, whereas A(1) R and A(3) R were devoid of effects. Thus, the acute exposure to the A(2A) R agonist, CGS 21680, inhibited glutamate uptake, an effect prevented by the A(2A) R antagonist, SCH 58261, and abbrogated in cultured astrocytes from A(2A) R knockout mice. Furthermore, the prolonged activation of A(2A) R lead to a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent reduction of GLT-I and GLAST mRNA and protein levels, which leads to a sustained decrease of glutamate uptake. This dual mechanism of inhibition of glutamate transporters by astrocytic A(2A) R provides a novel candidate mechanism to understand the ability of A(2) (A) R to control synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration, two conditions tightly associated with the control of extracellular glutamate levels by glutamate transporters.

Cytotoxic purine nucleoside analogues bind to A1, A2A, and A3 adenosine receptors

Fludarabine, clofarabine, and cladribine are anticancer agents which are analogues of the purine nucleoside adenosine. These agents have been associated with cardiac and neurological toxicities. Because these agents are analogues of adenosine, they may act through adenosine receptors to elicit their toxic effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of cytotoxic nucleoside analogues to bind and activate adenosine receptor subtypes (A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3)). Radioligand binding studies utilizing Chinese hamster ovary cells, stably transfected with adenosine A(1), A(2A), or A(3) receptor subtype, were used to assess the binding affinities of these compounds, whereas adenylyl cyclase activity was used to assess the binding to A(2B) receptors. Clofarabine and cladribine both bound to the A(2A) receptor with a K (i) of 17 and 15 μM, respectively. Clofarabine was the only adenosine analogue to bind to the A(3) receptor with a K (i) of 10 μM, and none of these compounds bound to the A(2B) receptor. Results show that clofarabine, cladribine, and fludarabine bind to the A(1) receptor. In addition, clofarabine, cladribine, and fludarabine were A(1) agonists (IC(50) 3.1, 30, and 30 μM, respectively). Neither pyrimidine nucleoside analogues gemcitabine nor cytarabine associated with any of the adenosine receptor subtypes (K (i) > 100μM). This is the first report of an interaction between all adenosine receptor subtypes and chemotherapeutic nucleoside analogues commonly used in the treatment of cancer. Therefore, activation of these receptors may be at least one mechanism through which fludarabine-associated toxicity occurs.

α-Tocopherol regulates ectonucleotidase activities in synaptosomes from rats fed a high-fat diet

α-Tocopherol (α-Toc) is involved in various physiologic processes, which present antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. High-fat diets have an important role in neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disturbances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with α-Toc and the consumption of high-fat diets on ectonucleotidase activities in synaptosomes of cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum of rats. Animals were divided into four different groups, which received standard diet (control), high-fat saturated diet (HF), α-Toc and high-fat saturated diet plus α-Toc (α-Toc + HF). High-fat saturated diet was administered ad libitum and α-Toc by gavage using a dose of 50 mg·kg(-1). After 3 months of treatment, animals were submitted to euthanasia, and cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum were collected for biochemical assays. Results showed that adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum were decreased in HF in comparison to the other groups (P < 0·05). When rats that received HF were treated with α-Toc, the activity of the ectonucleotidases was similar to the control. ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and striatum were increased in the α-Toc group when compared with the other groups (P < 0·05). These findings demonstrated that the HF alters the purinergic signaling in the nervous system and that the treatment with α-Toc was capable of modulating the adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in this experimental condition.

Perspectives of purinergic signaling in stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration

Replacement of lost or dysfunctional tissues by stem cells has recently raised many investigations on therapeutic applications. Purinergic signaling has been shown to regulate proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and successful engraftment of stem cells originated from diverse origins. Adenosine triphosphate release occurs in a controlled way by exocytosis, transporters, and lysosomes or in large amounts from damaged cells, which is then subsequently degraded into adenosine. Paracrine and autocrine mechanisms induced by immune responses present critical factors for the success of stem cell therapy. While P1 receptors generally exert beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory activity, P2 receptor-mediated actions depend on the subtype of stimulated receptors and localization of tissue repair. Pro-inflammatory actions and excitatory tissue damages mainly result from P2X7 receptor activation, while other purinergic receptor subtypes participate in proliferation and differentiation, thereby providing adequate niches for stem cell engraftment and novel mechanisms for cell therapy and endogenous tissue repair. Therapeutic applications based on regulation of purinergic signaling are foreseen for kidney and heart muscle regeneration, Clara-like cell replacement for pulmonary and bronchial epithelial cells as well as for induction of neurogenesis in case of neurodegenerative diseases.

SCH58261 the selective adenosine A(2A) receptor blocker modulates ischemia reperfusion injury following bilateral carotid occlusion: role of inflammatory mediators

In the present study, the effects of SCH58261, a selective adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist that crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) and 8-(4-sulfophenyl) theophylline (8-SPT), a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist that acts peripherally, were investigated on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (IR). Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into four groups: (1) sham-operated (SO), IR pretreated with either (2) vehicle (DMSO); (3) SCH58261 (0.01 mg/kg); (4) 8-SPT (2.5 mg/kg). Animals were anesthetized and submitted to occlusion of both carotid arteries for 45 min. All treatments were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) post carotid occlusion prior to exposure to a 24 h reperfusion period. Ischemic rats showed increased infarct size compared to their control counterparts that corroborated with histopathological changes as well as increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the hippocampus. Moreover, ischemic animals showed habituation deficit, increased anxiety and locomotor activity. IR increased hippocampal glutamate (Glu), GABA, glycine (Gly) and aspartate (ASP). SCH58261 significantly reversed these effects while 8-SPT elicited minimal change. IR raised myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) accompanied by a decrease in interleukin-10 (IL-10), effects that were again reversed by SCH58261, but 8-SPT elicited less changes. Results from the present study point towards the importance of central blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptor in ameliorating hippocampal damage following IR injury by halting inflammatory cascades as well as modulating excitotoxicity.

CX3CL1 is neuroprotective in permanent focal cerebral ischemia in rodents

The chemokine CX3CL1 and its receptor CX3CR1 are constitutively expressed in the nervous system. In this study, we used in vivo murine models of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) to investigate the protective potential of CX3CL1. We report that exogenous CX3CL1 reduced ischemia-induced cerebral infarct size, neurological deficits, and caspase-3 activation. CX3CL1-induced neuroprotective effects were long lasting, being observed up to 50 d after pMCAO in rats. The neuroprotective action of CX3CL1 in different models of brain injuries is mediated by its inhibitory activity on microglia and, in vitro, requires the activation of adenosine receptor 1 (A₁R). We show that, in the presence of the A₁R antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine and in A₁R⁻/⁻ mice, the neuroprotective effect of CX3CL1 on pMCAO was abolished, indicating the critical importance of the adenosine system in CX3CL1 protection also in vivo. In apparent contrast with the above reported data but in agreement with previous findings, cx3cl1⁻/⁻ and cx3cr1(GFP/GFP) mice, respectively, deficient in CX3CL1 or CX3CR1, had less severe brain injury on pMCAO, and the administration of exogenous CX3CL1 increased brain damage in cx3cl1⁻/⁻ ischemic mice. We also report that CX3CL1 induced a different phagocytic activity in wild type and cx3cl1⁻/⁻ microglia in vitro during cotreatment with the medium conditioned by neurons damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation. Together, these data suggest that acute administration of CX3CL1 reduces ischemic damage via an adenosine-dependent mechanism and that the absence of constitutive CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling changes the outcome of microglia-mediated effects during CX3CL1 administration to ischemic brain.

Differential neuroprotection by A(1) receptor activation and A(2A) receptor inhibition following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus

Aiming at a better understanding of the role of A(2A) in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), we characterized the effects of the A(2A) antagonist SCH58261 (7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2(2-furyl)-pyrazolo-[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine) on seizures and neuroprotection in the pilocarpine model. The effects of SCH58261 were further analyzed in combination with the A(1) agonist R-Pia (R(-)-N(6)-(2)-phenylisopropyl adenosine). Eight groups were studied: pilocarpine (Pilo), SCH+Pilo, R-Pia+Pilo, R-Pia+SCH+Pilo, Saline, SCH+Saline, R-Pia+Saline, and R-Pia+SCH+Saline. The administration of SCH58261, R-Pia, and R-Pia+SCH58261 prior to pilocarpine increased the latency to SE, and decreased either the incidence of or rate of mortality from SE compared with controls. Administration of R-Pia and R-Pia+SCH58261 prior to pilocarpine reduced the number of Fluoro-Jade B-stained cells in the hippocampus and piriform cortex when compared with control. This study showed that pretreatment with R-Pia and SCH58261 reduces seizure occurrence, although only R-Pia has neuroprotective properties. Further studies are needed to clarify the neuroprotective role of A(2A) in TLE.

Local disruption of glial adenosine homeostasis in mice associates with focal electrographic seizures: a first step in epileptogenesis?

Astrogliosis and associated dysfunction of adenosine homeostasis are pathological hallmarks of the epileptic brain and thought to contribute to seizure generation in epilepsy. The authors hypothesized that astrogliosis-an early component of the epileptogenic cascade-might be linked to focal seizure onset. To isolate the contribution of astrogliosis to ictogenesis from other pathological events involved in epilepsy, the authors used a minimalistic model of epileptogenesis in mice, based on a focal onset status epilepticus triggered by intra-amygdaloid injection of kainic acid. The authors demonstrate acute neuronal cell loss restricted to the injected amygdala and ipsilateral CA3, followed 3 weeks later by focal astrogliosis and overexpression of the adenosine-metabolizing enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK). Using synchronous electroencephalographic recordings from multiple depth electrodes, the authors identify the KA-injected amygdala and ipsilateral CA3 as two independent foci for the initiation of non-synchronized electrographic subclinical seizures. Importantly, seizures remained focal and restricted to areas of ADK overexpression. However, after systemic application of a non-convulsive dose of an adenosine A(1) -receptor antagonist, seizures in amygdala and CA3 immediately synchronized and spread throughout the cortex, leading to convulsive seizures. This focal seizure phenotype remained stable over at least several weeks. We conclude that astrogliosis via disruption of adenosine homeostasis per se and in the absence of any other overt pathology, is associated with the emergence of spontaneous recurrent subclinical seizures, which remain stable over space and time. A secondary event, here mimicked by brain-wide disruption of adenosine signaling, is likely required to turn pre-existing subclinical seizures into a clinical seizure phenotype.

Desensitization of adenosine A(1) receptors in rat immature cortical neurons

Adenosine plays an important neuroprotective role in brain, usually mediated by the activation of adenosine A₁ receptors. Prolonged activation of a G-protein-coupled receptor generally leads to the partial loss of the responsiveness of receptor-mediated transduction pathways (desensitization). Rat immature cortical neurons were treated with 100 nM⁻N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), a selective A₁ receptor agonist, and the effect on adenosine A₁ receptor/adenylyl cyclase pathway was studied. Incubation with R-PIA for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h elicited a time-dependent decrease in adenosine A₁ receptors in plasma membranes (92, 58, 43 and 26% of control, respectively), which was associated with variations in microsomal fraction (21, 56, 124 and 233% of control, respectively), suggesting the internalization and down-regulation of adenosine A₁ receptors. Moreover, real-time PCR assays showed a significant increase in mRNA levels coding adenosine A₁ receptor after the longest treatment period (48 h). In addition, αGi₁₋₂ protein levels detected in microsomes and mRNA levels coding αGi₁ protein were increased after 48 h of treatment with R-PIA, suggesting the synthesis of new αGi₁ proteins. Finally, adenylyl cyclase inhibition elicited by 2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a selective adenosine A₁ receptor agonist, was significantly reduced after 12, 24 and 48h of treatment (37, 24 and 23%, respectively) as compared to controls (54%), suggesting the desensitization of adenosine A₁ receptor/adenylyl cyclase pathway. These results suggest that adenosine A₁ receptors desensitize slowly after prolonged receptor activation in immature cortical neurons, showing mechanisms of desensitization similar to those described not only in fetal but also in adult rat brain.