SCH 58261 and ZM 241385 differentially prevent the motor effects of CGS 21680 in mice: evidence for a functional 'atypical' adenosine A(2A) receptor

A2AR antagonists triggered the AMPK/m-TOR autophagic pathway to reverse the calcium-dependent cell damage in 6-OHDA induced model of PD

Calcium dyshomeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis are the pathogenesis of selective dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). Earlier, we reported that A2A R modulates IP3-dependent intracellular Ca2+ signalling via PKA. Moreover, A2A R antagonist has been reported to reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis in PD models, however intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) dependent autophagy regulation in the 6-OHDA model of PD has not been explored. In the present study, we investigated the A2A R antagonists mediated neuroprotective effects in 6-OHDA-induced primary midbrain neuronal (PMN) cells and unilateral lesioned rat model of PD. 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress (ROS and superoxide) and [Ca2+]i was measured using Fluo4AM, DCFDA and DHE dye respectively. Furthermore, autophagy was assessed by Western blot of p-m-TOR/mTOR, p-AMPK/AMPK, LC3I/II, Beclin and β-actin. Apoptosis was measured by Annexin V-APC-PI detection and Western blot of Bcl2, Bax, caspase3 and β-actin. Dopamine levels were measured by Dopamine ELISA kit and Western blot of tyrosine hydroxylase. Our results suggest that 6-OHDA-induced PMN cell death occurred due to the interruption of [Ca2+]i homeostasis, accompanied by activation of autophagy and apoptosis. A2A R antagonists prevented 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death by decreasing [Ca2+]i overload and oxidative stress. In addition, we found that A2A R antagonists upregulated mTOR phosphorylation and downregulated AMPK phosphorylation thereby reducing autophagy and apoptosis both in 6-OHDA induced PMN cells and 6-OHDA unilateral lesioned rat model. In conclusion, A2A R antagonists alleviated 6-OHDA toxicity by modulating [Ca2+]i signalling to inhibit autophagy mediated by the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Neuronal mechanisms of adenosine A2A receptors in the loss of consciousness induced by propofol general anesthesia with functional magnetic resonance imaging

Propofol is the most common intravenous anesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, and has been used clinically for more than 30 years. However, the mechanism by which propofol induces loss of consciousness (LOC) remains largely unknown. The adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2A R) has been extensively proven to have an effect on physiological sleep. It is, therefore, important to investigate the role of A_2A R in the induction of LOC using propofol. In the present study, the administration of the highly selective A_2A R agonist (CGS21680) and antagonist (SCH58261) was utilized to investigate the function of A_2A R under general anesthesia induced by propofol by means of animal behavior studies, resting-state magnetic resonance imaging and c-Fos immunofluorescence staining approaches. Our results show that CGS21680 significantly prolonged the duration of LOC induced by propofol, increased the c-Fos expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and suppressed the functional connectivity of NAc-dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) and NAc-cingulate cortex (CG). However, SCH58261 significantly shortened the duration of LOC induced by propofol, decreased the c-Fos expression in NAc, increased the c-Fos expression in DR, and elevated the functional connectivity of NAc-DR and NAc-CG. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the important roles played by A_2A R in the LOC induced by propofol and suggest that the neural circuit between NAc-DR maybe controlled by A_2A R in the mechanism of anesthesia induced by propofol.

Neuronal adenosine A2A receptors signal ergogenic effects of caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most used ergogenic aid for physical exercise and sports. However, its mechanism of action is still controversial. The adenosinergic hypothesis is promising due to the pharmacology of caffeine, a nonselective antagonist of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. We now investigated A2AR as a possible ergogenic mechanism through pharmacological and genetic inactivation. Forty-two adult females (20.0 ± 0.2 g) and 40 male mice (23.9 ± 0.4 g) from a global and forebrain A2AR knockout (KO) colony ran an incremental exercise test with indirect calorimetry (V̇O2 and RER). We administered caffeine (15 mg/kg, i.p., nonselective) and SCH 58261 (1 mg/kg, i.p., selective A2AR antagonist) 15 min before the open field and exercise tests. We also evaluated the estrous cycle and infrared temperature immediately at the end of the exercise test. Caffeine and SCH 58621 were psychostimulant. Moreover, Caffeine and SCH 58621 were ergogenic, that is, they increased V̇O2max, running power, and critical power, showing that A2AR antagonism is ergogenic. Furthermore, the ergogenic effects of caffeine were abrogated in global and forebrain A2AR KO mice, showing that the antagonism of A2AR in forebrain neurons is responsible for the ergogenic action of caffeine. Furthermore, caffeine modified the exercising metabolism in an A2AR-dependent manner, and A2AR was paramount for exercise thermoregulation.

Pharmacological blockade of the CD39/CD73 pathway but not adenosine receptors augments disease in a humanized mouse model of graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curative therapy for a number of hematological malignancies, but is limited by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). CD39 and CD73 form an ectoenzymatic pathway that hydrolyzes extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine, which respectively exacerbate or alleviate disease in allogeneic mouse models of GVHD. The current study aimed to explore the role of the CD39/CD73 pathway and adenosine receptor (AR) blockade in a humanized mouse model of GVHD. Immunodeficient nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency-IL-2 receptor γ^null mice were injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and subsequently injected with the CD39/CD73 antagonist αβ-methylene-ADP (APCP) (50 mg kg^-1 ) or saline for 7 days, or the AR antagonist caffeine (10 mg kg^-1 ) or saline for 14 days. Mice predominantly engrafted human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, with smaller proportions of human regulatory T cells, invariant natural killer T cells, monocytes and dendritic cells. Neither APCP nor caffeine altered engraftment of these human leukocyte subsets. APCP (CD39/CD73 blockade) augmented GVHD as shown through increased weight loss and worsened liver histology, including increased leukocyte and human T-cell infiltration, and increased apoptosis. This treatment also increased serum human IL-2 concentrations and decreased the frequency of human CD39^-  CD73^-  CD4⁺ T cells. In contrast, caffeine (AR blockade) did not alter GVHD severity or human serum cytokine concentrations (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 or tumor necrosis factor-α). In conclusion, blockade of CD39/CD73 but not ARs augments disease in a humanized mouse model of GVHD. These results indicate that CD39/CD73 blockade maintains sufficient extracellular ATP concentrations to promote GVHD in this model.

Chronic adenosine A2A receptor blockade induces locomotor sensitization and potentiates striatal LTD IN GPR37-deficient mice

Adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2A R) play a key role in modulating dopamine-dependent locomotor activity, as heralded by the sensitization of locomotor activity upon chronic A_2A R blockade, which is associated with elevated dopamine levels and altered corticostriatal synaptic plasticity. Since the orphan receptor GPR37 has been shown to modulate A_2A R function in vivo, we aimed to test whether the A_2A R-mediated sensitization of locomotor activity is GPR37-dependent and involves adaptations of synaptic plasticity. To this end, we administered a selective A_2A R antagonist, SCH58261 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), daily for 14 days, and the locomotor sensitization, striatum-dependent cued learning, and corticostriatal synaptic plasticity (i.e., long-term depression) were compared in wild-type and GPR37^-/- mice. Notably, GPR37 deletion promoted A_2A R-associated locomotor sensitization but not striatum-dependent cued learning revealed upon chronic SCH58261 treatment of mice. Furthermore, chronic A_2A R blockade potentiated striatal long-term depression in corticostriatal synapses of GPR37^-/- but not of wild-type mice, thus correlating well with neurochemical alterations of the adenosinergic system. Overall, these results revealed the importance of GPR37 regulating A_2A R-dependent locomotor sensitization and synaptic plasticity in the basal ganglia circuitry. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/. Open Science: This manuscript was awarded with the Open Materials Badge. For more information see: https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

Chronic methylphenidate treatment during adolescence has long-term effects on monoaminergic function

BACKGROUND

Psychostimulants like methylphenidate or D-amphetamine are often prescribed for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders in children. Whether such drugs can be administered into a developing brain without consequences in adulthood is still an open question.

METHODS

Here, using in vivo extracellular electrophysiology in anesthetised preparations, combined with behavioural assays, we have examined the long-term consequences in adulthood of a chronic methylphenidate oral administration (5 mg/kg/day, 15 days) in early adolescent (post-natal day 28) and late adolescent (post-natal day 42) rats, by evaluating body weight change, sucrose preference (indicator of anhedonia), locomotor sensitivity to D-amphetamine and electrical activities of ventral tegmental area dopamine and dorsal raphe nucleus serotonin neurons.

RESULTS

Chronic methylphenidate treatment during early or late adolescence did not induce weight deficiencies and anhedonia-like behaviours at adulthood. However, it increased bursting activities of dorsal raphe nucleus serotonin neurons. Furthermore, chronic methylphenidate treatment during early but not during late adolescence enhanced D-amphetamine-induced rearing activity, as well as ventral tegmental area dopamine cell excitability (firing, burst and population activity), associated with a partial desensitisation of dopamine D₂ auto-receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated here that early, but not late, adolescent exposure to oral methylphenidate may induce long-lasting effects on monoamine neurotransmission. The possible clinical implication of these data will be discussed.

Activation of adenosine A2A or A2B receptors causes hypothermia in mice

Extracellular adenosine is a danger/injury signal that initiates protective physiology, such as hypothermia. Adenosine has been shown to trigger hypothermia via agonism at A1 and A3 adenosine receptors (A1AR, A3AR). Here, we find that adenosine continues to elicit hypothermia in mice null for A1AR and A3AR and investigated the effect of agonism at A2AAR or A2BAR. The poorly brain penetrant A2AAR agonists CGS-21680 and PSB-0777 caused hypothermia, which was not seen in mice lacking A2AAR. MRS7352, a likely non-brain penetrant A2AAR antagonist, inhibited PSB-0777 hypothermia. While vasodilation is probably a contributory mechanism, A2AAR agonism also caused hypometabolism, indicating that vasodilation is not the sole mechanism. The A2BAR agonist BAY60-6583 elicited hypothermia, which was lost in mice null for A2BAR. Low intracerebroventricular doses of BAY60-6583 also caused hypothermia, indicating a brain site of action, with neuronal activation in the preoptic area and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Thus, agonism at any one of the canonical adenosine receptors, A1AR, A2AAR, A2BAR, or A3AR, can cause hypothermia. This four-fold redundancy in adenosine-mediated initiation of hypothermia may reflect the centrality of hypothermia as a protective response.

The adenosine A2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680, attenuates a probabilistic reversal learning deficit and elevated grooming behavior in BTBR mice

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a defining feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To date there are limited options for treating this core symptomology. Treatments that stimulate adenosine A_2A receptors may represent a promising approach for reducing RRBs in ASD. This is because A_2A receptors are expressed on striatal neurons of the basal ganglia indirect pathway. Under activation of this pathway has been associated with RRBs while activation of A_2A receptors leads to increased activity of the indirect basal ganglia pathway. The present studies investigated whether acute, systemic treatment with CGS21680, an A_2A receptor agonist attenuates elevated self-grooming and a probabilistic reversal learning deficit in the BTBR T+ Itpr3^tf /J (BTBR) mouse model of idiopathic autism. The effects of this treatment were also investigated in C57BL/6J (B6) mice as a comparison strain. Using a spatial reversal learning test with 80/20 probabilistic feedback, comparable to one in which ASD individuals exhibit deficits, CGS 21680 (0.005 and 0.01mg/kg) attenuated a reversal learning deficit in BTBR mice. Enhancement in probabilistic reversal learning performance resulted from CGS 21680 improving the consistent maintenance of new adaptive behavioral choice patterns after reversal. CGS 21680 at 0.01 mg, but not 0.005 mg, also reduced self-grooming behavior in BTBR mice. CGS 21680 did not affect self-grooming or reversal learning in B6 mice. These findings demonstrate that A_2A receptor agonists may be a promising receptor target in the treatment of RRBs in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 223-233. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

LAY SUMMARY

The present experiments determined whether the drug, CGS 21680, that facilitates activation of adenosine A_2A receptors in the brain, would reduce repetitive and inflexible behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. CGS 21680 treatment in BTBR mice reduced repetitive and inflexible behaviors. In the control C57BL/6J (B6) mouse strain, CGS 21680 did not affect performance. These findings suggest that stimulation of brain adenosine A_2A receptors may be a promising therapeutic strategy in ASD.

Behavioral control by striatal adenosine A2A -dopamine D2 receptor heteromers

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) exhibit the ability to form receptor complexes that include molecularly different GPCR (ie, GPCR heteromers), which endow them with singular functional and pharmacological characteristics. The relative expression of GPCR heteromers remains a matter of intense debate. Recent studies support that adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2A R) and dopamine D₂ receptors (D₂ R) predominantly form A_2A R-D₂ R heteromers in the striatum. The aim of the present study was evaluating the behavioral effects of pharmacological manipulation and genetic blockade of A_2A R and D₂ R within the frame of such a predominant striatal heteromeric population. First, in order to avoid possible strain-related differences, a new D₂ R-deficient mouse with the same genetic background (CD-1) than the A_2A R knock-out mouse was generated. Locomotor activity, pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) and drug-induced catalepsy were then evaluated in wild-type, A_2A R and D₂ R knock-out mice, with and without the concomitant administration of either the D₂ R agonist sumanirole or the A_2A R antagonist SCH442416. SCH442416-mediated locomotor effects were demonstrated to be dependent on D₂ R signaling. Similarly, a significant dependence on A_2A R signaling was observed for PPI and for haloperidol-induced catalepsy. The results could be explained by the existence of one main population of striatal postsynaptic A_2A R-D₂ R heteromers, which may constitute a relevant target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Adenosine A2A receptor and ERK-driven impulsivity potentiates hippocampal neuroblast proliferation

Dampened adenosine A_2A receptor (A_2AR) function has been implicated in addiction through enhancement of goal-directed behaviors. However, the contribution of the A_2AR to the control of impulsive reward seeking remains unknown. Using mice that were exposed to differential reward of low rate (DRL) schedules during Pavlovian-conditioning, second-order schedule discrimination, and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), we demonstrate that deficits of A_2AR function promote impulsive responses. Antagonism of the A_2AR lowered ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and potentiated impulsivity during Pavlovian-conditioning and the 5-CSRTT. Remarkably, inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 in the dHip prior to Pavlovian-conditioning exacerbated impulsive reward seeking. Moreover, we found decreased A_2AR expression, and reduced ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip of equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1^-/-) null mice, which displayed exacerbated impulsivity. To determine whether impulsive response behavior is associated with hippocampal neuroblast development, we investigated expression of BrdU⁺ and doublecortin (DCX⁺) following 5-CSRTT testing. These studies revealed that impulsive behavior driven by inhibition of the A_2AR is accompanied by increased neuroblast proliferation in the hippocampus.

Adenosine A(2A) receptors are necessary and sufficient to trigger memory impairment in adult mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Caffeine (a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist) prevents memory deficits in aging and Alzheimer's disease, an effect mimicked by adenosine A2 A receptor, but not A1 receptor, antagonists. Hence, we investigated the effects of adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists on memory performance and scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We determined whether A2 A receptors are necessary for the emergence of memory impairments induced by scopolamine and whether A2 A receptor activation triggers memory deficits in naïve mice, using three tests to assess short-term memory, namely the object recognition task, inhibitory avoidance and modified Y-maze.

KEY RESULTS

Scopolamine (1.0 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) impaired short-term memory performance in all three tests and this scopolamine-induced amnesia was prevented by the A2 A receptor antagonist (SCH 58261, 0.1-1.0 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) and by the A1 receptor antagonist (DPCPX, 0.2-5.0 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.), except in the modified Y-maze where only SCH58261 was effective. Both antagonists were devoid of effects on memory or locomotion in naïve rats. Notably, the activation of A2 A receptors with CGS 21680 (0.1-0.5 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) before the training session was sufficient to trigger memory impairment in the three tests in naïve mice, and this effect was prevented by SCH 58261 (1.0 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.). Furthermore, i.c.v. administration of CGS 21680 (50 nmol) also impaired recognition memory in the object recognition task.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results show that A2 A receptors are necessary and sufficient to trigger memory impairment and further suggest that A1 receptors might also be selectively engaged to control the cholinergic-driven memory impairment.

The adenosine A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 decreases ethanol self-administration in both non-dependent and dependent animals

There is emerging evidence that the adenosinergic system might be involved in drug addiction and alcohol dependence. We have already demonstrated the involvement of A2A receptors (A2AR) in ethanol-related behaviours in mice. Here, we investigated whether the A2AR agonist CGS 21680 can reduce ethanol operant self-administration in both non-dependent and ethanol-dependent Wistar rats. To rule out a potential involvement of the A1R in the effects of CGS 21680, we also tested its effectiveness to reduce ethanol operant self-administration in both heterozygous and homozygous A1R knockout mice. Our results demonstrated that CGS 21680 (0.065, 0.095 and 0.125 mg/kg, i.p.) had a bimodal effect on 10% ethanol operant self-administration in non-dependent rats. The intermediate dose was also effective in reducing 2% sucrose self-administration. Interestingly, the intermediate dose reduced 10% ethanol self-administration in dependent animals more effectively (75% decrease) when compared with non-dependent animals (57% decrease). These results suggest that the A2AR are involved in CGS 21680 effects since the reduction of ethanol self-administration was not dependent upon the presence of A1R in mice. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the effectiveness of the A2AR agonist CGS 21680 in a preclinical model of alcohol addiction and suggested that the adenosinergic pathway is a promising target to treat alcohol addiction.

A2A receptor antagonists do not induce dyskinesias in drug-naive or L-dopa sensitized rats

L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine, is currently the gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, chronic exposure is associated with L-dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs), a serious side effect characterized by involuntary movements. Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists have been studied as a novel non-dopaminergic PD treatment. Because A2A receptor antagonists do not act on dopamine receptors, it has been hypothesized that they will not induce dyskinesias characteristic of L-dopa. To test this hypothesis in a rodent model, the A2A receptor antagonists SCH 412348 (3 mg/kg), vipadenant (10 mg/kg), caffeine (30 mg/kg), or istradefylline (3 mg/kg) were chronically (19-22 days) administered to Sprague Dawley rats, and dyskinetic behaviors were scored across this chronic dosing paradigm. Unlike L-dopa, there was no evidence of dyskinetic activity resulting from any of the four A2A receptor antagonists tested. When delivered to animals previously sensitized with L-dopa (6 mg/kg), SCH 412348, vipadenant, caffeine or istradefylline treatment produced no dyskinesias. When administered in combination with L-dopa (6 mg/kg), SCH 412348 (3 mg/kg) neither exacerbated nor prevented the induction of LIDs over the course of 19 days of treatment. Collectively, our data indicate that A2A receptor antagonists are likely to have a reduced dyskinetic liability relative to L-dopa but do not block dyskinesias when coadministered with L-dopa. Clinical studies are required to fully understand the dyskinesia profiles of A2A receptor antagonists.

Purinergic signalling: from normal behaviour to pathological brain function

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

Effect of the adenosine A2A receptor antagonist MSX-3 on motivational disruptions of maternal behavior induced by dopamine antagonism in the early postpartum rat

RATIONALE

Mesolimbic dopamine (DA), particularly in the nucleus accumbens, importantly regulates activational aspects of maternal responsiveness. DA antagonism and accumbens DA depletions interfere with early postpartum maternal motivation by selectively affecting most forms of active maternal behaviors, while leaving nursing behavior relatively intact. Considerable evidence indicates that there is a functional interaction between DA D2 and adenosine A(2A) receptors in striatal areas, including the nucleus accumbens.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine if adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonism could reverse the effects of DA receptor antagonism on early postpartum maternal behavior.

METHODS

The adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist MSX-3 (0.25-2.0 mg/kg, IP) was investigated for its ability to reverse the effects of the DA D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, IP) on the maternal behavior of early postpartum female rats.

RESULTS

Haloperidol severely impaired the expression of active maternal components, including retrieval and grouping the pups at the nest site, pup licking, and nest building. Co-administration of MSX-3 (0.25-2.0 mg/kg, IP) with haloperidol produced a dose-related attenuation of the haloperidol-induced behavioral deficits in early postpartum females. Doses of MSX-3 that effectively reversed the effects of haloperidol (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg), when administered in the absence of haloperidol, did not affect maternal responding or locomotor activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenosine and DA systems interact to regulate early postpartum maternal responsiveness. This research may potentially contribute to the development of strategies for treatments of psychiatric disorders during the postpartum period, with particular emphasis in maintaining or restoring the mother-infant relationship.

The effect of caffeine to increase reaction time in the rat during a test of attention is mediated through antagonism of adenosine A2A receptors

Caffeine produces effects on cognitive function particularly relating to aspects of attention such as reaction time. Considering the plasma exposure levels following regular caffeine intake, and the affinity of caffeine for known protein targets, these effects are likely mediated by either the adenosine A(1) or A(2A) receptor. In the present studies, two rat strains [Long-Evans (LE) and CD] were trained to asymptote performance in a test of selective attention, the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT). Next, the effects of caffeine were compared to the selective A(2A) antagonists, SCH 412348 and KW-6002 (Istradefylline), and the A(1) antagonist, DPCPX. Further studies compared the psychostimulant effects of each drug. Finally, we tested the A(2A) agonist, CGS-21680, on 5-CSRTT performance and given the antipsychotic potential of this drug class, studied the interaction between CGS-21680 and amphetamine in this task. Caffeine (3-10mg/kg IP) increased reaction time in both LE and CD rats, with no effect on accuracy, an effect replicated by SCH 412348 (0.1-1mg/kg PO) and KW-6002 (1-3mg/kg PO), but not DPCPX (3-30 mg/kg PO). At least with SCH 412348, these effects were at doses that were not overtly psychostimulant. In contrast, CGS-21680 (0.03-0. 3mg/kg IP) slowed reaction speed and increased omissions. Interestingly, at a comparatively low dose of 0.03 mg/kg, CGS-21680 attenuated the increased premature responding produced by amphetamine (1mg/kg IP). The present results suggest that the attention-enhancing effects of caffeine are mediated through A(2A) receptor blockade, and selective A(2A) receptor antagonists may have potential as therapies for attention-related disorders. Furthermore, the improvement in response control in amphetamine-treated rats following CGS-21680 pretreatment supports the view that A(2A) agonists have potential as novel antipsychotics.

Transient inhibition of astrocytogenesis in developing mouse brain following postnatal caffeine exposure

Caffeine is frequently administered in human preterm newborns. Although some data suggest a potential risk for the developing brain, its impact has not been fully evaluated. We used a murine model of postnatal caffeine treatment in which mouse pups received intraperitoneal injections of caffeine from postnatal days 3 to 10. Caffeine exposure resulted in a transient reduction of glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100beta protein expression in various brain areas during the first 2 postnatal weeks (19.8% and 23.2% reduction in the hippocampus at P15, respectively). This effect was dose-dependent and at least partly involved a reduction of glial proliferation, as a caffeine-induced decrease of 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was observed in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone (25.8% and 26.6%, respectively) and no increase of programmed cell death (cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining) was observed at postnatal day 7. This effect could be reproduced with an antagonist of A(2a) adenosine receptor (A(2a)R) and was blocked by co-injection of an agonist. These results suggest that postnatal caffeine treatment might induce an alteration of astrocytogenesis via A(2a)R blockade during brain development. Although no obvious neuritic abnormalities (microtubule-associated protein 2 and synaptophysin immunostaining) were observed, postnatal caffeine treatment could have long-term consequences on brain function.

Adenosine A2A receptor inactivation increases survival in polymicrobial sepsis

The mechanisms governing the impairment of bacterial clearance and immune function in sepsis are not known. Adenosine levels are elevated during tissue hypoxia and damage associated with sepsis. Adenosine has strong immunosuppressive effects, many of which are mediated by A(2A) receptors (A(2A)R) expressed on immune cells. We examined whether A(2A)R are involved in the regulation of immune function in cecal ligation and puncture-induced murine polymicrobial sepsis by genetically or pharmacologically inactivating A(2A)R. A(2A)R knockout (KO) mice were protected from the lethal effect of sepsis and had improved bacterial clearance compared with wild-type animals. cDNA microarray analysis and flow cytometry revealed increased MHC II expression in A(2A)-inactivated mice, suggesting improved Ag presentation as a mechanism of protection. Apoptosis was attenuated in the spleen of A(2A) KO mice indicating preserved lymphocyte function. Levels of the immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 were markedly lower following A(2A)R blockade. Similar to observations with A(2A)R KO mice, an A(2A)R antagonist increased survival even when administered in a delayed fashion. These studies demonstrate that A(2A)R blockade may be useful in the treatment of infection and sepsis.

Adenosine downregulates DPPIV on HT-29 colon cancer cells by stimulating protein tyrosine phosphatase(s) and reducing ERK1/2 activity via a novel pathway

The multifunctional cell-surface protein dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) is aberrantly expressed in many cancers and plays a key role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Its diverse cellular roles include modulation of chemokine activity by cleaving dipeptides from the chemokine NH(2)-terminus, perturbation of extracellular nucleoside metabolism by binding the ecto-enzyme adenosine deaminase, and interaction with the extracellular matrix by binding proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. We have recently shown that DPPIV can be downregulated from the cell surface of HT-29 colorectal carcinoma cells by adenosine, which is a metabolite that becomes concentrated in the extracellular fluid of hypoxic solid tumors. Most of the known responses to adenosine are mediated through four different subtypes of G protein-coupled adenosine receptors: A(1), A(2A), A(2B), and A(3). We report here that adenosine downregulation of DPPIV from the surface of HT-29 cells occurs independently of these classic receptor subtypes, and is mediated by a novel cell-surface mechanism that induces an increase in protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. The increase in protein tyrosine phosphatase activity leads to a decrease in the tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase that in turn links to the decline in DPPIV mRNA and protein. The downregulation of DPPIV occurs independently of changes in the activities of protein kinases A or C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, other serine/threonine phosphatases, or the p38 or JNK MAP kinases. This novel action of adenosine has implications for our ability to manipulate adenosine-dependent events within the solid tumor microenvironment.

Adenosine-induced apoptosis in EL-4 thymoma cells is caspase-independent and mediated through a non-classical adenosine receptor

Cell death caused by the accumulation of extracellular adenosine is believed to contribute to the profound loss of T lymphocytes in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency disease due to adenosine deaminase deficiency. Although adenosine is known to trigger apoptosis in thymocytes and peripheral T cells, the molecular basis of this effect is not understood. In this study, we show that adenosine-induced apoptosis in mouse EL-4 thymoma cells was associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species and a reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In addition, cell death was by a caspase-independent mechanism because caspase inhibitors did not protect EL-4 cells from adenosine-induced cytotoxicity. Although reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed that EL-4 cells expressed A2b and A3 adenosine receptor subtypes, blockade of A2b and A3 adenosine receptors with receptor-selective antagonists did not attenuate adenosine-induced cell death. Nevertheless, the failure of nucleoside transport inhibitors to prevent adenosine cytotoxicity suggested that adenosine was acting through a cell-surface receptor. In addition, adenosine-induced apoptosis was not due to an accumulation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) since neither forskolin nor 8-Br-cAMP was cytotoxic for EL-4 cells. Adenosine therefore acts through a non-classical receptor at the cell surface to trigger caspase-independent apoptosis in mouse thymoma cells.

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.

Ethanol operant self-administration in rats is regulated by adenosine A2 receptors

BACKGROUND

Recent findings suggest that adenosine is involved in the neural and behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH). Studies in neural cell culture show that EtOH, via activation of adenosine A2 receptors, triggers cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling and CRE (cAMP regulatory element)-mediated gene expression and that this effect is blocked by inhibiting G-protein betagamma subunits. Recently, we reported that expression of a betagamma inhibitor in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reduces EtOH drinking in rats. The NAc expresses high levels of the adenosine A2A receptor in GABAergic medium spiny neurons. If the reinforcing effects of EtOH are mediated through an A2 activation of cAMP/PKA signaling via betagamma, then A2 receptor blockade should attenuate EtOH consumption. Here we tested this hypothesis. Because adenosine A2 and dopamine D2 receptors are coexpressed in neurons of the NAc, we compared the effects of A2 blockade with those of D2 receptor blockade.

METHODS

Male Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer 10% EtOH in daily 30-min sessions with an active and an inactive lever. Separate groups of rats were given the D2 antagonist eticlopride (0.005, 0.007, and 0.01 mg/kg), the A2 antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX; 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 20 mg/kg), and the A1 antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg) by systemic injection.

RESULTS

Eticlopride dose-dependently reduced EtOH drinking. DMPX showed a bimodal effect: 10 and 20 mg/kg decreased, but 1 mg/kg increased, EtOH consumption. DPCPX was without effect.

CONCLUSIONS

In support of our hypothesis, the A2 antagonist DMPX attenuated EtOH self-administration. Low doses of the A2 antagonist enhanced EtOH drinking, consistent with the possibility that rats increase EtOH self-administration to overcome partial A2 blockade. The D2 antagonist eticlopride also decreased EtOH self-administration. These data provide the first evidence that pharmacological modulation of adenosine A2 receptors can regulate EtOH consumption in rats.

Adenosine A1 Receptor Blockade Mimics Caffeine's Attenuation of Ethanol-Induced Motor Incoordination

The effects of co-administration of caffeine and ethanol were assessed on the motor coordination of rats on the accelerating rotarod (accelerod). Ethanol (2.5 g/kg, orally) decreased motor performance on the accelerod. Co-administration of caffeine (5 and 20 mg/kg, orally) dose-dependently attenuated this ethanol-induced deficit. Caffeine (20 mg/kg, orally) alone did not affect motor performance in the test. As caffeine is a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist the ability of adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptor blockade to attenuate ethanol-induced motor incoordination was determined. Pre-treatment with the adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) attenuated ethanol (2.5 g/kg, orally)-induced motor incoordination. By contrast, prior administration of the adenosine A(2A) selective antagonist SCH 58261 (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) had no effect on the ethanol-induced motor deficit. These data demonstrate that adenosine A(1) receptor blockade mimics the inhibitory action of caffeine on ethanol-induced motor incorordination, and may contribute to the ability of caffeine to offset the acute intoxicating actions of ethanol.

Characterization of [3H]ZM 241385 binding in wild-type and adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice

The binding of the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist [3H] 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol ([3H]ZM 241385) to mouse brain and spinal cord was investigated. In brain homogenates, single-site binding was observed with a Bmax of 299+/-28 fmol mg(-1) protein and a Kd of 0.75+/-0.08 nM. In autoradiographic studies, there was a high density of specific binding of [3H]ZM 241385 in the striatum, with a very low density in the cortex and no binding elsewhere in the brain or in the spinal cord. All specific binding of [3H]ZM 241385 was lost in genetically modified mice lacking the adenosine A(2A) receptor, confirming the selectivity of this radioligand.

Lack of adenosine A1 and dopamine D2 receptor-mediated modulation of the cardiovascular effects of the adenosine A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680

Some behavioral and biochemical effects of the systemically administered adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680) in rats are potentiated by adenosine A(1) receptor agonists and counteracted by dopamine D2 receptor agonists. In the present study we compared potentiating and antagonistic interactions between CGS 21680 and adenosine A(1) and dopamine D2 receptor agonists on motor activity and on cardiovascular responses (arterial blood pressure and heart rate). The motor-depressant effects produced by CGS 21680 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) were potentiated by the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) and counteracted by the dopamine D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In contrast, neither CPA nor quinpirole significantly modified the decrease in arterial pressure or the increase in heart rate induced by CGS 21680. However, the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist 3-(3-hydroxypropyl)-8-(m-methoxystyryl)-7-methyl-1-propargylxanthine phosphate disodium salt (MSX-3, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) counteracted both the motor-depressant and cardiovascular effects of CGS 21680. Therefore, the effects of the systemically administered adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist CGS 21680 on cardiovascular function, in contrast to its effects on motor behavior, appear to be independent of the effects of adenosine A(1) and dopamine D2 receptor activity.

[The importance of in vivo pharmacology in fundamental research on psychotropic drugs and their biological targets]

The main families of psychotropic drugs have been almost fortuitously discovered, from investigations carried out directly in humans. The burst of studies triggered by these discoveries and the considerably strengthened ethical guidelines for clinical trials have allowed remarkable developments in preclinical studies performed in animals, and especially in rodents. The corresponding models may be classified as follows: homologous models mimicking the aetiology of the disease against which one attempts to develop drugs; isomorphic models mimicking specific symptoms of a disease but involving different aetiological mechanisms; predictive models, which assess the effect of a drug on behavioural or other functional signs/symptoms unconnected to the psychiatric disease but involving the same type of biological targets as those affected by the disease; and theoretical or explanatory models that aim to elucidate the mechanism of action of agents producing psychotropic effects. Among the latter, the following can be cited: the knock out of genes coding for a specific biological target; the neutralisation of a specific ARNm by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, which also aims to prevent the synthesis of a specific biological target; use of controlled reproduction to achieve a concentration of genes, the association of which leads to the development of a disease. Each one of these approaches has been illustrated by an example developed within the Rouen Neuropsychopharmacology Unit: the psychobehavioural spectrum of mice with invalidation of the gene coding for adenosine A2A receptors; the abolition of either nociceptin ORL1 receptors or neurotensin NTR2 receptors in order to characterise their functions; the concentration, by controlled breeding in mice, of a phenotype corresponding to that of depression. These developments illustrate several recent developments in neuropsychopharmacology with the aim of emphasising the vitality of this discipline.

Binding of the prototypical adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist CGS 21680 to the cerebral cortex of adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptor knockout mice

1. 2-p-(2-carboxyethylphenethylamino-5'-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) (CGS 21680) is considered the reference compound to study adenosine A(2A) receptors. However, CGS 21680 binding in the cerebral cortex, where adenosine A(1) receptors are predominant, displays a mixed A(2A)/A(1) receptor pharmacology. We now use adenosine A(1) and A(2A) receptor knockout mice to investigate the characteristics of cortical [(3)H]CGS 21680 binding. 2. [(3)H]CGS 21680 binding to the cerebral cortex was strongly reduced in adenosine A(1) receptor knockout mice, but only slightly reduced in A(2A) receptor knockout mice compared with the corresponding wild-type littermates. 3. Another selective A(2A) receptor ligand, [(3)H]-5-amino-7-(2-phenylethyl)-2-(2-furyl)-pyrazolo[4,3-e]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine ([(3)H]SCH 58261), displayed a saturable binding to mouse cortical membranes, albeit with a binding density 20 times lower than that of striatal membranes, and this [(3)H]SCH58261 binding was abolished in both striatal and cortical membranes of A(2A) receptor knockout mice and unchanged in A(1) receptor knockout mice. 4. The presence of A(2A) receptors in cortical neurons was further confirmed by Western blot in mouse cortical nerve terminal membranes. 5. It is concluded that, although A(2A) receptors are present in the cerebral cortex, the purportedly selective A(2A) receptor agonist [(3)H]CGS 21680 binds in the cerebral cortex to an entity that requires the presence of adenosine A(1) receptors. Thus, CGS 21680 should be used with care in all preparations where adenosine A(1) receptors out-number A(2A) receptors.

Adenosine administration produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice: evidence for the involvement of A1 and A2A receptors

This study investigated the effect of adenosine in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST) in mice, and the contribution of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors to adenosine's antidepressant-like effect. The immobility time in the FST was reduced by adenosine given either by i.p. (5-10 mg/kg) or i.c.v. (0.01-10 microg/site) route. Adenosine (1-10 mg/kg, i.p.) also produced an antidepressant-like effect in the TST. No treatment affected locomotion in an open-field. The anti-immobility effect of adenosine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in the FST was prevented by i.p. pretreatment of mice with caffeine (3 mg/kg), DPCPX (2 mg/kg) and ZM241385 (1 mg/kg). CHA (0.05 mg/kg, i.p.) and DPMA (1-5 mg/kg, i.p.) also produced an antidepressant-like effect in the FST. This is the first report of an antidepressant-like effect of adenosine in mice, apparently mediated through an interaction with A1 and A2A receptors.

Purines and neuroprotection

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

Impact of the aryl substituent kind and distance from pyrimido[2,1-f]purindiones on the adenosine receptor selectivity and antagonistic properties

Adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists belong to two major groups of compounds: xanthines and non-xanthines. Recently several annelated xanthine derivatives have been described as selective A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3) ARs antagonists. Contrary to dipropyl derivatives, in the group of dimethyl (un)substituted arylalkyl pyrimido[2,1-f]purindiones selective mainly adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonists were identified. Their activity depended on aryl substitution and its distance from pyrimido[2,1-f]purindione.

Evaluation of [4-O-methyl-(11)C]KW-6002 as a potential PET ligand for mapping central adenosine A(2A) receptors in rats

KW-6002, a xanthine-based adenosine A(2A) antagonist, was labelled with the positron emitter carbon-11 by O-methylation of its precursor, KF23325, using [(11)C]iodomethane and was evaluated in rats as a putative in vivo radioligand for positron emission tomography (PET). Following intravenous injection of [(11)C]KW-6002, radioactivity was measured in blood, plasma, peripheral tissues, and in discrete brain tissues over a 2-h time period commensurate with PET scanning. In brain, [(11)C]KW-6002 showed highest retention in striata, with evidence of saturable binding, and lowest retention in frontal cortex (a tissue low in adenosine A(2A) receptors). PET scanning with [(11)C]KW-6002 demonstrated a specific signal in the striata which could be described using compartmental modelling. Specific binding was, however, also detected in extrastriatal regions, including brain areas reported to have low adenosine A(2A) receptor density. Blocking studies with the A(1) selective antagonist KF15372 and the non xanthine-type A(2A) antagonist ZM 241385 failed to elucidate the nature of this binding. Thus, although [(11)C]KW-6002 shows some potential for development as a PET ligand for quantifying striatal adenosine A(2A) receptor function, its in vivo selectivity requires further investigation.

In vivo labelling of the adenosine A2A receptor in mouse brain using the selective antagonist [3H]SCH 58261

The selective A2A receptor antagonist [3H]SCH 58261 was injected intravenously in mice and the radioactivity accumulating in various brain regions was determined by tissue sampling. Radioactivity levels in regions of interest such as the striatum were highest 15 min after injection and quickly declined thereafter (30 min and 1 h postinjection) in a time-dependent manner. The amount of labelling was ranked as follows: striatum (4.6 +/- 0.3 fmol/mg protein) >> cortex > hippocampus > pons = hypothalamus > cerebellum (0.5 +/- 0.05 fmol/mg protein). Specific labelling of the A2A receptor occurred in striatum and cortex because significantly less radioactivity accumulated in these areas from adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice as compared to wild-type littermates. In control outbred CD1 mice, a striatum-to-cerebellum ratio of 7.6 +/- 0.6 was found. At 30 min postinjection, the nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine reduced the radioactivity due to [3H]SCH 58261 in the striatum by 32% at 1 mg/kg i.p. and by 66% at the stimulant dose of 6.25 mg/kg i.p. Radioactivity in the striatum was lowered, respectively, by 66 and 86% 30 min after injection of 3 or 10 mg/kg i.p. doses of unlabelled SCH 58261. The present results indicate that [3H]SCH 58261 directly labels striatal A2A receptors in vivo. Thus [3H]SCH 58261 is an excellent tool for studying brain distribution and A2A receptor occupancy of various compounds ranging from xanthines, such as caffeine, to other A2A antagonists.

Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists are potential antidepressants: evidence based on pharmacology and A2A receptor knockout mice

1. Adenosine, an ubiquitous neuromodulator, and its analogues have been shown to produce 'depressant' effects in animal models believed to be relevant to depressive disorders, while adenosine receptor antagonists have been found to reverse adenosine-mediated 'depressant' effect. 2. We have designed studies to assess whether adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, or genetic inactivation of the receptor would be effective in established screening procedures, such as tail suspension and forced swim tests, which are predictive of clinical antidepressant activity. 3. Adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice were found to be less sensitive to 'depressant' challenges than their wildtype littermates. Consistently, the adenosine A2A receptor blockers SCH 58261 (1 - 10 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and KW 6002 (0.1 - 10 mg kg(-1), p.o.) reduced the total immobility time in the tail suspension test. 4. The efficacy of adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in reducing immobility time in the tail suspension test was confirmed and extended in two groups of mice. Specifically, SCH 58261 (1 - 10 mg kg(-1)) and ZM 241385 (15 - 60 mg kg(-1)) were effective in mice previously screened for having high immobility time, while SCH 58261 at 10 mg kg(-1) reduced immobility of mice that were selectively bred for their spontaneous 'helplessness' in this assay. 5. Additional experiments were carried out using the forced swim test. SCH 58261 at 10 mg kg(-1) reduced the immobility time by 61%, while KW 6002 decreased the total immobility time at the doses of 1 and 10 mg kg(-1) by 75 and 79%, respectively. 6. Administration of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol (50 - 200 microg kg(-1) i.p.) prevented the antidepressant-like effects elicited by SCH 58261 (10 mg kg(-1) i.p.) in forced swim test whereas it left unaltered its stimulant motor effects. 7. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that A2A receptor antagonists prolong escape-directed behaviour in two screening tests for antidepressants. Altogether the results support the hypothesis that blockade of the adenosine A2A receptor might be an interesting target for the development of effective antidepressant agents.