Long-term potentiation observed upon blockade of adenosine A1 receptors in rat hippocampus is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent

Interference with glutamate antiporter system xc - enables post-hypoxic long-term potentiation in hippocampus

Our group previously showed that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the cystine/glutamate antiporter, system xc -, mitigates excitotoxicity after anoxia by increasing latency to anoxic depolarization, thus attenuating the ischaemic core. Hypoxia, however, which prevails in the ischaemic penumbra, is a condition where neurotransmission is altered, but excitotoxicity is not triggered. The present study employed mild hypoxia to further probe ischaemia-induced changes in neuronal responsiveness from wild-type and xCT KO (xCT-/-) mice. Synaptic transmission was monitored in hippocampal slices from both genotypes before, during and after a hypoxic episode. Although wild-type and xCT-/- slices showed equal suppression of synaptic transmission during hypoxia, mutant slices exhibited a persistent potentiation upon re-oxygenation, an effect we termed 'post-hypoxic long-term potentiation (LTP)'. Blocking synaptic suppression during hypoxia by antagonizing adenosine A1 receptors did not preclude post-hypoxic LTP. Further examination of the induction and expression mechanisms of this plasticity revealed that post-hypoxic LTP was driven by NMDA receptor activation, as well as increased calcium influx, with no change in paired-pulse facilitation. Hence, the observed phenomenon engaged similar mechanisms as classical LTP. This was a remarkable finding as theta-burst stimulation-induced LTP was equivalent between genotypes. Importantly, post-hypoxic LTP was generated in wild-type slices pretreated with system xc - inhibitor, S-4-carboxyphenylglycine, thereby confirming the antiporter's role in this phenomenon. Collectively, these data indicate that system xc - interference enables neuroplasticity in response to mild hypoxia, and, together with its regulation of cellular damage in the ischaemic core, suggest a role for the antiporter in post-ischaemic recovery of the penumbra.

Adenosine and Cortical Plasticity

Brain plasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change its structure and functioning in response to experiences. These changes occur mainly at synaptic connections, and this plasticity is named synaptic plasticity. During postnatal development, environmental influences trigger changes in synaptic plasticity that will play a crucial role in the formation and refinement of brain circuits and their functions in adulthood. One of the greatest challenges of present neuroscience is to try to explain how synaptic connections change and cortical maps are formed and modified to generate the most suitable adaptive behavior after different external stimuli. Adenosine is emerging as a key player in these plastic changes at different brain areas. Here, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for the induction and duration of synaptic plasticity at different postnatal brain development stages in which adenosine, probably released by astrocytes, directly participates in the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity and in the control of the duration of plasticity windows at different cortical synapses. In addition, we comment on the role of the different adenosine receptors in brain diseases and on the potential therapeutic effects of acting via adenosine receptors.

Adenosine A2A Receptors Shut Down Adenosine A1 Receptor-Mediated Presynaptic Inhibition to Promote Implementation of Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation

Adenosine operates a modulation system fine-tuning the efficiency of synaptic transmission and plasticity through A₁ and A_2A receptors (A₁R, A_2AR), respectively. Supramaximal activation of A₁R can block hippocampal synaptic transmission, and the tonic engagement of A₁R-mediated inhibition is increased with increased frequency of nerve stimulation. This is compatible with an activity-dependent increase in extracellular adenosine in hippocampal excitatory synapses, which can reach levels sufficient to block synaptic transmission. We now report that A_2AR activation decreases A₁R-medated inhibition of synaptic transmission, with particular relevance during high-frequency-induced long-term potentiation (LTP). Thus, whereas the A₁R antagonist DPCPX (50 nM) was devoid of effects on LTP magnitude, the addition of an A_2AR antagonist SCH58261 (50 nM) allowed a facilitatory effect of DPCPX on LTP to be revealed. Additionally, the activation of A_2AR with CGS21680 (30 nM) decreased the potency of the A₁R agonist CPA (6-60 nM) to inhibit hippocampal synaptic transmission in a manner prevented by SCH58261. These observations show that A_2AR play a key role in dampening A₁R during high-frequency induction of hippocampal LTP. This provides a new framework for understanding how the powerful adenosine A₁R-mediated inhibition of excitatory transmission can be controlled to allow the implementation of hippocampal LTP.

The adenosine hypothesis of schizophrenia into its third decade: From neurochemical imbalance to early life etiological risks

The adenosine hypothesis of schizophrenia was conceptualized about two decades ago in an attempt to integrate two prominent theories of neurochemical imbalance that attribute the pathogenesis of schizophrenia to hyperfunction of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine neurotransmission and hypofunction of cortical glutamate neurotransmission. Given its unique position as an endogenous modulator of both dopamine and glutamate signaling in the brain, adenosine was postulated as a potential new drug target to achieve multiple antipsychotic actions. This new strategy may offer hope for improving treatment, especially in alleviating negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia that do not respond to current medications. To date, however, the adenosine hypothesis has yet led to any significant therapeutic breakthroughs. Here, we address two possible reasons for the impasse. First, neither the presence of adenosine functional deficiency in people with schizophrenia nor its causal relationship to symptom production has been satisfactorily examined. Second, the lack of novel adenosine-based drugs also impedes progress. This review updates the latest preclinical and clinical data pertinent to the construct validity of the adenosine hypothesis and explores novel molecular processes whereby dysregulation of adenosine signaling could be linked to the etiology of schizophrenia. It is intended to stimulate and revitalize research into the adenosine hypothesis towards the development of a new and improved generation of antipsychotic drugs that has eluded us for decades.

Adenosine A1 Receptor Agonist (R-PIA) before Pilocarpine Modulates Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in an Animal Model of Epilepsy

We aimed to characterize the mechanisms involved in neuroprotection by R-PIA administered before pilocarpine-induced seizures. Caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities were assayed using fluorimetry, and cathepsin D, HSP-70, and AKT expression levels were assayed using Western Blot of hippocampal samples. R-PIA was injected before pilocarpine (PILO), and four groups were studied at 1 h 30 min and 7 days following initiation of status epilepticus (SE): PILO, R-PIA+PILO, SALINE, and R-PIA+SALINE. At 1 h 30 min, significantly higher activities of caspase-1 and -3 were observed in the PILO group than in the SALINE group. Caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher in the R-PIA+PILO group than in the PILO group. At 7 days following SE, caspase-1 and -3 activities were higher than in the initial post-seizure phase compared to the SALINE group. The pretreatment of rats receiving PILO significantly reduced caspase activities compared to the PILO group. Expression of HSP-70, AKT, and cathepsin D was significantly higher in the PILO group than in the SALINE. In the R-PIA+PILO group, the expression of AKT and HSP-70 was greater than in rats receiving only PILO, while cathepsin D presented decreased expression. Pretreatment with R-PIA in PILO-injected rats strongly inhibited caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities and cathepsin D expression. It also increased expression levels of the neuroprotective proteins HSP-70 and AKT, suggesting an important role in modulating the cellular survival cascade.

Input-selective adenosine A1 receptor-mediated synaptic depression of excitatory transmission in dorsal striatum

The medial (DMS) and lateral (DLS) dorsal striatum differentially drive goal-directed and habitual/compulsive behaviors, respectively, and are implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. These subregions receive distinct inputs from cortical and thalamic regions which uniquely determine dorsal striatal activity and function. Adenosine A₁ receptors (A1Rs) are prolific within striatum and regulate excitatory glutamate transmission. Thus, A1Rs may have regionally-specific effects on neuroadaptive processes which may ultimately influence striatally-mediated behaviors. The occurrence of A1R-driven plasticity at specific excitatory inputs to dorsal striatum is currently unknown. To better understand how A1Rs may influence these behaviors, we first sought to understand how A1Rs modulate these distinct inputs. We evaluated A1R-mediated inhibition of cortico- and thalamostriatal transmission using in vitro whole-cell, patch clamp slice electrophysiology recordings in medium spiny neurons from both the DLS and DMS of C57BL/6J mice in conjunction with optogenetic approaches. In addition, conditional A1R KO mice lacking A1Rs at specific striatal inputs to DMS and DLS were generated to directly determine the role of these presynaptic A1Rs on the measured electrophysiological responses. Activation of presynaptic A1Rs produced significant and prolonged synaptic depression (A1R-SD) of excitatory transmission in the both the DLS and DMS of male and female animals. Our findings indicate that A1R-SD at corticostriatal and thalamostriatal inputs to DLS can be additive and that A1R-SD in DMS occurs primarily at thalamostriatal inputs. These findings advance the field's understanding of the functional roles of A1Rs in striatum and implicate their potential contribution to neuropsychiatric diseases.

Isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice and effects of A1 adenosine receptors on cognitive impairment

AIMS

Isoflurane may not only accelerate the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but increase the risk of incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether isoflurane contributed to the POCD occurrence through A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in aged mice.

METHODS

We assessed cognitive function of mice with Morris water maze (MWM) and then measured expression level of two AD biomarkers (P-tau and Aβ) and a subtype of the NMDA receptor (NR2B) in aged wild-type (WT) and homozygous A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) knockout (KO) mice at baseline and after they were exposed to isoflurane (1.4% for 2 hours).

RESULTS

For cognitive test, WT mice with isoflurane exposure performed worse than the WT mice without isoflurane exposure. However, A1AR KO mice with isoflurane exposure performed better than WT mice with isoflurane exposure. WT mice exposed to isoflurane had increased levels of Aβ and phosphorylated tau (P-tau). Levels of Aβ and P-tau were decreased in A1AR KO mice, whereas no differences were noted between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure. NR2B expression was inversely related to that of P-tau, with no differences found between KO mice with and without isoflurane exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association between isoflurane exposure, impairment of spatial memory, decreasing level of NR2B, and increasing levels of A-beta and P-tau, presumably via the activation of the A1A receptor.

Dual Influence of Endocannabinoids on Long-Term Potentiation of Synaptic Transmission

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) is widely distributed in the central nervous system, in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and in astrocytes. CB1R agonists impair cognition and prevent long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, but the influence of endogenously formed cannabinoids (eCBs) on hippocampal LTP remains ambiguous. Based on the knowledge that eCBs are released upon high frequency neuronal firing, we hypothesized that the influence of eCBs upon LTP could change according to the paradigm of LTP induction. We thus tested the influence of eCBs on hippocampal LTP using two θ-burst protocols that induce either a weak or a strong LTP. LTP induced by a weak-θ-burst protocol is facilitated while preventing the endogenous activation of CB1Rs. In contrast, the same procedures lead to inhibition of LTP induced by the strong-θ-burst protocol, suggestive of a facilitatory action of eCBs upon strong LTP. Accordingly, an inhibitor of the metabolism of the predominant eCB in the hippocampus, 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), facilitates strong LTP. The facilitatory action of endogenous CB1R activation does not require the activity of inhibitory A1 adenosine receptors, is not affected by inhibition of astrocytic metabolism, but involves inhibitory GABAergic transmission. The continuous activation of CB1Rs via exogenous cannabinoids, or by drugs known to prevent metabolism of the non-prevalent hippocampal eCB, anandamide, inhibited LTP. We conclude that endogenous activation of CB1Rs by physiologically formed eCBs exerts a fine-tune homeostatic control of LTP in the hippocampus, acting as a high-pass filter, therefore likely reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of synaptic strengthening.

The Role of cGMP on Adenosine A 1 Receptor-mediated Inhibition of Synaptic Transmission at the Hippocampus

Both adenosine A₁ receptor and cGMP inhibit synaptic transmission at the hippocampus and recently it was found that A₁ receptor increased cGMP levels in hippocampus, but the role of cGMP on A₁ receptor-mediated inhibition of synaptic transmission remains to be established. In the present work we investigated if blocking the NOS/sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway using nitric oxide synthase (NOS), protein kinase G (PKG), and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitors modify the A₁ receptor effect on synaptic transmission. Neurotransmission was evaluated by measuring the slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by electrical stimulation at hippocampal slices. N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 15 nM), a selective A₁ receptor agonist, reversibly decreased the fEPSPs by 54 ± 5%. Incubation of the slices with an inhibitor of NOS (L-NAME, 200 μM) decreased the CPA effect on fEPSPs by 57 ± 9% in female rats. In males, ODQ (10 μM), an sGC inhibitor, decreased the CPA inhibitory effect on fEPSPs by 23 ± 6%, but only when adenosine deaminase (ADA,1 U/ml) was present; similar results were found in females, where ODQ decreased CPA-induced inhibition of fEPSP slope by 23 ± 7%. In male rats, the presence of the PKG inhibitor (KT5823, 1 nM) decreased the CPA effect by 45.0 ± 9%; similar results were obtained in females, where KT5823 caused a 32 ± 9% decrease on the CPA effect. In conclusion, the results suggest that the inhibitory action of adenosine A₁ receptors on synaptic transmission at hippocampus is, in part, mediated by the NOS/sGC/cGMP/PKG pathway.

Adenosine A1 Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis of AMPA Receptors Contributes to Impairments in Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) in the Middle-Aged Rat Hippocampus

Aging causes multiple changes in the mammalian brain, including changes in synaptic signaling. Previous reports have shown increased extracellular adenosine in the aging brain, and we recently reported that activation of adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) induces AMPA receptor (AMPAR) internalization in rat hippocampus. This study investigated whether aging-related changes in the rat hippocampus include altered surface expression of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, and whether these changes correspond to changes in AMPAR surface expression and altered synaptic plasticity. We found reduced A1R surface expression in middle-aged rat hippocampus, and also reduced GluA1 and GluA2 AMPAR subunit surface expression. Using a chemically-induced LTP (cLTP) experimental protocol, we recorded fEPSPs in young (1 month old) and middle-aged (7-12 month old) rat hippocampal slices. There were significant impairments in cLTP in middle-aged slices, suggesting impaired synaptic plasticity. Since we previously showed that the A1R agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) reduced both A1Rs and GluA2/GluA1 AMPARs, we hypothesized that the observed impaired synaptic plasticity in middle-aged brains is regulated by A1R-mediated AMPAR internalization by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Following cLTP, we found a significant increase in GluA1 and GluA2 surface expression in young rats, which was blunted in middle-aged brains or in young brains pretreated with CPA. Blocking A1Rs with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine or AMPAR endocytosis with either Tat-GluA2-3Y peptide or dynasore (dynamin inhibitor) similarly enhanced AMPAR surface expression following cLTP. These data suggest that age-dependent alteration in adenosine receptor expression contributes to increased AMPAR endocytosis and impaired synaptic plasticity in aged brains.

Prolonged adenosine A1 receptor activation in hypoxia and pial vessel disruption focal cortical ischemia facilitates clathrin-mediated AMPA receptor endocytosis and long-lasting synaptic inhibition in rat hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses: differential regulation of GluA2 and GluA1 subunits by p38 MAPK and JNK

Activation of presynaptic adenosine A1 receptors (A1Rs) causes substantial synaptic depression during hypoxia/cerebral ischemia, but postsynaptic actions of A1Rs are less clear. We found that A1Rs and GluA2-containing AMPA receptors (AMPARs) form stable protein complexes from hippocampal brain homogenates and cultured hippocampal neurons from Sprague Dawley rats. In contrast, adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) did not coprecipitate or colocalize with GluA2-containing AMPARs. Prolonged stimulation of A1Rs with the agonist N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) caused adenosine-induced persistent synaptic depression (APSD) in hippocampal brain slices, and APSD levels were blunted by inhibiting clathrin-mediated endocytosis of GluA2 subunits with the Tat-GluA2-3Y peptide. Using biotinylation and membrane fractionation assays, prolonged CPA incubation showed significant depletion of GluA2/GluA1 surface expression from hippocampal brain slices and cultured neurons. Tat-GluA2-3Y peptide or dynamin inhibitor Dynasore prevented CPA-induced GluA2/GluA1 internalization. Confocal imaging analysis confirmed that functional A1Rs, but not A2ARs, are required for clathrin-mediated AMPAR endocytosis in hippocampal neurons. Pharmacological inhibitors or shRNA knockdown of p38 MAPK and JNK prevented A1R-mediated internalization of GluA2 but not GluA1 subunits. Tat-GluA2-3Y peptide or A1R antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine also prevented hypoxia-mediated GluA2/GluA1 internalization. Finally, in a pial vessel disruption cortical stroke model, a unilateral cortical lesion compared with sham surgery reduced hippocampal GluA2, GluA1, and A1R surface expression and also caused synaptic depression in hippocampal slices that was consistent with AMPAR downregulation and decreased probability of transmitter release. Together, these results indicate a previously unknown mechanism for A1R-induced persistent synaptic depression involving clathrin-mediated GluA2 and GluA1 internalization that leads to hippocampal neurodegeneration after hypoxia/cerebral ischemia.

The nervous system and metabolic dysregulation: emerging evidence converges on ketogenic diet therapy

A link between metabolism and brain function is clear. Since ancient times, epileptic seizures were noted as treatable with fasting, and historical observations of the therapeutic benefits of fasting on epilepsy were confirmed nearly 100 years ago. Shortly thereafter a high fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) debuted as a therapy to reduce seizures. This strict regimen could mimic the metabolic effects of fasting while allowing adequate caloric intake for ongoing energy demands. Today, KD therapy, which forces predominantly ketone-based rather than glucose-based metabolism, is now well-established as highly successful in reducing seizures. Cellular metabolic dysfunction in the nervous system has been recognized as existing side-by-side with nervous system disorders – although often with much less obvious cause-and-effect as the relationship between fasting and seizures. Rekindled interest in metabolic and dietary therapies for brain disorders complements new insight into their mechanisms and broader implications. Here we describe the emerging relationship between a KD and adenosine as a way to reset brain metabolism and neuronal activity and disrupt a cycle of dysfunction. We also provide an overview of the effects of a KD on cognition and recent data on the effects of a KD on pain, and explore the relative time course quantified among hallmark metabolic changes, altered neuron function and altered animal behavior assessed after diet administration. We predict continued applications of metabolic therapies in treating dysfunction including and beyond the nervous system.

Intracellular ATP influences synaptic plasticity in area CA1 of rat hippocampus via metabolism to adenosine and activity-dependent activation of adenosine A1 receptors

The extent to which brain slices reflect the energetic status of the in vivo brain has been a subject of debate. We addressed this issue to investigate the recovery of energetic parameters and adenine nucleotides in rat hippocampal slices and the influence this has on synaptic transmission and plasticity. We show that, although adenine nucleotide levels recover appreciably within 10 min of incubation, it takes 3 h for a full recovery of the energy charge (to ≥ 0.93) and that incubation of brain slices at 34°C results in a significantly higher ATP/AMP ratio and a threefold lower activity of AMP-activated protein kinase compared with slices incubated at room temperature. Supplementation of artificial CSF with d-ribose and adenine (Rib/Ade) increased the total adenine nucleotide pool of brain slices, which, when corrected for the influence of the dead cut edges, closely approached in vivo values. Rib/Ade did not affect basal synaptic transmission or paired-pulse facilitation but did inhibit long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by tetanic or weak theta-burst stimulation. This decrease in LTP was reversed by strong theta-burst stimulation or antagonizing the inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptor suggesting that the elevated tissue ATP levels had resulted in greater activity-dependent adenosine release during LTP induction. This was confirmed by direct measurement of adenosine release with adenosine biosensors. These observations provide new insight into the recovery of adenine nucleotides after slice preparation, the sources of loss of such compounds in brain slices, the means by which to restore them, and the functional consequences of doing so.

Adenosine hypothesis of schizophrenia--opportunities for pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia based on the dopamine hypothesis remains unsatisfactory for the negative and cognitive symptoms of the disease. Enhancing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) function is expected to alleviate such persistent symptoms, but successful development of novel clinically effective compounds remains challenging. Adenosine is a homeostatic bioenergetic network modulator that is able to affect complex networks synergistically at different levels (receptor-dependent pathways, biochemistry, bioenergetics, and epigenetics). By affecting brain dopamine and glutamate activities, it represents a promising candidate for reversing the functional imbalance in these neurotransmitter systems believed to underlie the genesis of schizophrenia symptoms, as well as restoring homeostasis of bioenergetics. Suggestion of an adenosine hypothesis of schizophrenia further posits that adenosinergic dysfunction might contribute to the emergence of multiple neurotransmitter dysfunctions characteristic of schizophrenia via diverse mechanisms. Given the importance of adenosine in early brain development and regulation of brain immune response, it also bears direct relevance to the aetiology of schizophrenia. Here, we provide an overview of the rationale and evidence in support of the therapeutic potential of multiple adenosinergic targets, including the high-affinity adenosine receptors (A(1)R and A(2A)R), and the regulatory enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK). Key preliminary clinical data and preclinical findings are reviewed.

Normal and abnormal functions of adenosine receptors in the central nervous system revealed by genetic knockout studies

Endogenous adenosine is a widely distributed upstream regulator of a broad spectrum of neurotransmitters, receptors, and signaling pathways that converge to contribute to the expression of an array of important brain functions. Over the past decade, the generation and characterization of genetic knockout models for all four G-protein coupled adenosine receptors, the A1 and A2A receptors in particular, has confirmed and extended the neuromodulatory and integrated role of adenosine receptors in the control of a broad spectrum of normal and abnormal brain functions. After a brief introduction of the available adenosine receptor knockout models, this review focuses on findings from the genetic knockout approach, placing particular emphasis on the most recent findings. This review is organized into two sections to separately address (i) the role of adenosine receptors in normal brain processes including neuroplasticity, sleep-wake cycle, motor function, cognition, and emotion-related behaviors; and (ii) their role in the response to various pathologic insults to brain such as ischemic stroke, neurodegeneration, or brain dysfunction/disorders. We largely limit our overview to the prominent adenosine receptor subtypes in brain-the A1 and A2A receptors-for which numerous genetic knockout studies on brain function are available. A1 and A2A receptor knockouts have provided significant new insights into adenosine's control of complex physiologic (e.g., cognition) and pathologic (e.g., neuroinflammation) phenomena. These findings extend and strengthen the support for A1 and A2A receptors in brain as therapeutic targets in several neurologic and psychiatric diseases. However, they also emphasize the importance of considering the disease context-dependent effect when developing adenosine receptor-based therapeutic strategies.

Differential effects of adenosine A1 receptor on pain-related behavior in normal and nerve-injured rats

This study investigated the effects of N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), a potent and selective adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) agonist in normal and nerve-injured rats and mechanisms of its action by behavioral tests and electrophysiological technique. The results showed: (1) In normal rats, intraperitoneal administration of CPA (1mg/kg) increased paw withdrawal latencies, in a way blocked by a selective A1R antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX, 3mg/kg, i.p.), but had no influence on the threshold of mechanical stimulation. (2) In rats with neuropathic pain induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL), CPA reduced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, which could last 6h and 10h, respectively (n=6/group, P<0.05). Both of the effects could be blocked by pretreatment of DPCPX intraperitoneally. (3) The baseline of C-fiber but not A-fiber evoked field potentials was depressed by spinal application of CPA (0.01 mM), and this effect was prevented by application of DPCPX (0.02 mM) 30 min before CPA. (4) Spinal application of CPA depressed long-term potentiation (LTP) of A- and C-fiber evoked field potentials, and both the depression could be blocked by pretreatment of DPCPX 30 min before CPA. These results suggested that the activation of A1R has different influences on normal and neuropathic rats probably due to the absence and presence of central sensitization in spinal dorsal horn.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha impairs the recovery of synaptic transmission from hypoxia in rat hippocampal slices

Cerebral ischaemia is a common occurrence in a range of pathological conditions, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. Two of the components in ischaemia are tissue hypoxia and the release of pro-inflammatory agents such as TNF-alpha. The role of TNF-alpha in an ischaemic/hypoxic episode is still controversial, although deleterious effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the area of injury are well documented. One of the prime adaptive mechanisms in response to hypoxia is the cellular activation of adenosine 1 receptors (A1Rs), which inhibits excitatory synaptic transmission. In the present study we have examined the effect of TNF-alpha application on synaptic transmission during hypoxic exposure and re-oxygenation using extracellular recordings in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampal slice. Hypoxia caused a reversible depression of the field EPSP (29.6+/-9.7% of control, n=5), which was adenosine A(1) receptor-dependent (85.7+/-4.3%, in the presence of DPCPX (200 nM), the adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist). DPCPX inhibited the maintenance of long-term potentiation obtained 30 min post hypoxia (143.8+/-8.2% versus 96.4+/-10.6% respectively, 1h post tetanus; n=5; p<0.005). In TNF-alpha (150 pM) treated slices hypoxic depression was similar to controls but a reduction in fEPSP slope was observed during re-oxygenation (66.8+/-1.4%, n=5). This effect was reversed by pre-treatment with SB 203580 (1 microM), a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (91.8+/-6.9%, n=5). These results demonstrate a novel p38 MAPK dependent role for TNF-alpha in attenuating synaptic transmission after a hypoxic episode.

Analgesic effect of paeoniflorin in rats with neonatal maternal separation-induced visceral hyperalgesia is mediated through adenosine A(1) receptor by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway

Paeoniflorin (PF), a chief active ingredient in the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall (family Ranunculaceae), is effective in relieving colorectal distention (CRD)-induced visceral pain in rats with visceral hyperalgesia induced by neonatal maternal separation (NMS). This study aimed at exploring the underlying mechanisms of PF's analgesic effect on CRD-evoked nociceptive signaling in the central nervous system (CNS) and investigating whether the adenosine A(1) receptor is involved in PF's anti-nociception.

RESULTS

CRD-induced visceral pain as well as phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK) and phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) expression in the CNS structures of NMS rats were suppressed by NMDA receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) and ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126. PF could similarly inhibit CRD-evoked p-ERK and c-Fos expression in laminae I-II of the lumbosacral dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). PF could also reverse the CRD-evoked increased glutamate concentration by CRD as shown by dynamic microdialysis monitoring in ACC, whereas, DPCPX, an antagonist of adenosine A(1) receptor, significantly blocked the analgesic effect of PF and PF's inhibition on CRD-induced p-ERK and p-CREB expression. These results suggest that PF's analgesic effect is possibly mediated by adenosine A(1) receptor by inhibiting CRD-evoked glutamate release and the NMDA receptor dependent ERK signaling.

Adenosine preconditions against ouabain but not against glutamate on CA1-evoked potentials in rat hippocampal slices

Hypoxic and ischaemic brain damage are believed to involve excessive release of glutamate, and recent work shows that glutamate-induced damage in brain slices can be reduced by preconditioning with hypoxia or glutamate itself. Because adenosine is a powerful preconditioning agent, we have investigated whether adenosine could precondition against glutamate in vitro. In rat hippocampal slices, glutamate depolarization reduced the amplitudes of antidromic- and orthodromic-evoked potentials, with only partial recovery. Applying adenosine before these insults failed to increase that recovery. Ouabain also produced depolarization with partial reversibility, but adenosine pretreatment increased the extent of recovery. The preconditioning effect of adenosine on ouabain responses was prevented by blocking receptors for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), but not receptors for kainate or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), and was blocked by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase. Preconditioning was also abolished by the ATP-dependent potassium channel blockers, glibenclamide (cytoplasmic) or 5-hydroxydecanoate (mitochondrial). We conclude that adenosine does not precondition against glutamate in hippocampal slices, but that it does precondition against ouabain with a pharmacology similar to studies in vivo. Ischaemic neuronal damage is a complex of many factors, and because adenosine can precondition against ischaemic neuronal damage, its failure to protect against glutamate highlights limitations of using glutamate alone as a model for ischaemia. Because damage following ischaemia, trauma or excitotoxicity also involves reduced Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, and adenosine can precondition against ouabain, we propose that ouabain-induced damage represents an additional or alternative model for the contribution to cell damage of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase loss, this being more relevant to the mechanisms of preconditioning.

Adenosine A(1) receptor: Functional receptor-receptor interactions in the brain

Over the past decade, many lines of investigation have shown that receptor-mediated signaling exhibits greater diversity than previously appreciated. Signal diversity arises from numerous factors, which include the formation of receptor dimers and interplay between different receptors. Using adenosine A₁ receptors as a paradigm of G protein-coupled receptors, this review focuses on how receptor-receptor interactions may contribute to regulation of the synaptic transmission within the central nervous system. The interactions with metabotropic dopamine, adenosine A_2A, A₃, neuropeptide Y, and purinergic P2Y₁ receptors will be described in the first part. The second part deals with interactions between A₁Rs and ionotropic receptors, especially GABA_A, NMDA, and P2X receptors as well as ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels. Finally, the review will discuss new approaches towards treating neurological disorders.

Improved spatial recognition memory in mice lacking adenosine A2A receptors

Adenosine receptors play an important role in learning and memory as their antagonists have been found to facilitate learning and memory in various tasks in rodents. However, few studies have examined the effect of adenosine A2A receptor deficiency on cognition. In the present study, we therefore used the Y-maze, a simple two-trial recognition test to measure spatial recognition memory in mice lacking adenosine A2A receptors. The results showed that adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice had a higher percentage of novel arm visits as first choice than wild-type CD1 mice. Moreover, these mice showed longer duration of visits in the novel arm when compared with controls, suggesting that the lack of adenosine A2A receptors improved spatial recognition memory. On the other hand, mice lacking the adenosine A2A receptors had low scores in the number of arm visits, suggesting that they were hypoactive. In conclusion, these data suggest the involvement of adenosine receptors in modulating spatial recognition memory in mice, consistent with earlier findings using adenosine receptor antagonists.

Blockade of presynaptic adenosine A1 receptor responses by nitric oxide and superoxide in rat hippocampus

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors prevents the neuronal responses to adenosine in hippocampal slices. As NMDA receptor activation leads to the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide, we have examined whether these can modify neuronal responses to adenosine and mediate the actions of NMDA. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. Paired-pulse interactions were studied to localize the observed interactions to presynaptic terminals. The NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and diethylamine NONOate induced a long-lasting potentiation (NO-induced potentiation) of field excitatory postsynaptic potential slope and significantly prevented the presynaptic inhibitory effect of adenosine or the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine selectively with no effect on responses to baclofen. The superoxide-generating system of xanthine/xanthine oxidase also prevented presynaptic responses to adenosine and this effect was prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD). The guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one (10 microM) prevented NO-induced potentiation and the inhibitory effects of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and xanthine/xanthine oxidase on adenosine responses. The inhibitory effect of NMDA on adenosine responses was unchanged by 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one, indicating that guanosine-3',5-cyclic monophosphate does not mediate this interaction, although it was partially reduced by SOD, suggesting that superoxide might contribute. The reduction of adenosine responses by electrically-induced long-term potentiation was prevented by NO synthase inhibition or SOD. The results indicate that the presynaptic effects of adenosine at presynaptic sites can be prevented by NO or superoxide but that neither of these individually can fully account for the prevention of adenosine responses by NMDA.

Pharmacological characterization of FR194921, a new potent, selective, and orally active antagonist for central adenosine A1 receptors

Adenosine A1 receptors in the brain are believed to play an important role in brain functioning. We have discovered a novel adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, FR194921 (2-(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)-6-(2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridin-3-yl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone), and characterized the pharmacological activity in the present study. FR194921 showed potent and selective affinity for the adenosine A1 receptor without affinity for A2A and A3 receptors and did not show any species differences in binding affinity profile among human, rat, and mouse. Pharmacokinetic study in rats revealed that FR194921 was orally active and highly brain penetrable. Oral administration of FR194921 dose-dependently ameliorated the hypolocomotion induced by the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine in rats, indicating this compound exerts A1-antagonistic action in vivo. In the passive avoidance test, scopolamine (1 mg/kg)-induced memory deficits were significantly ameliorated by FR194921 (0.32, 1 mg/kg). In two animal models of anxiety, the social interaction test and elevated plus maze, FR194921 showed specific anxiolytic activity without significantly influencing general behavior. In contrast, FR194921 did not show antidepressant activity even at a dose of 32 mg/kg in the rat forced swimming test. These results indicate that the novel, potent, and selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist FR194921 exerts both cognitive-enhancing and anxiolytic activity, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this compound for dementia and anxiety disorders.

The mechanism of inhibition by xanthine of adenosine A1-receptor responses in rat hippocampus

We have recently observed that the free radical-generating mixture of xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X/XO) can suppress the inhibitory effects of adenosine on synaptic transmission in the hippocampus, but that this action can be mimicked by xanthine alone. We have now clarified the mechanism of these interactions by using the new, potent and highly selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, 1-(3-cyano-4-neopentyloxyphenyl)pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (Y-700). Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices. X/XO induced a long-lasting increase of fEPSP slope and significantly reduced the presynaptic inhibitory effect of adenosine. Both these actions were prevented by Y-700 at a concentration of only 200nM. Similarly the superfusion of xanthine alone increased fEPSP slope and reduced sensitivity to adenosine but these effects were also prevented by Y-700. The results indicate that the antagonism of adenosine responses by X/XO or by xanthine alone are entirely attributable to the activity of the added or endogenous XO activity, probably generating free radicals, and are not likely to be caused by a direct antagonistic action at the xanthine-sensitive site on the adenosine receptor.

Activation of adenosine A2A receptor facilitates brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulation of synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices

Both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and adenosine influence neuronal plasticity. We now investigated how adenosine influences the action of BDNF on synaptic transmission in the CA1 area of the rat hippocampal slices. Alone, BDNF (20-100 ng/ml) did not significantly affect field EPSPs (fEPSPs). However, a 2 min pulse of high-K(+) (10 mm) 46 min before the application of BDNF (20 ng/ml) triggered an excitatory action, an effect blocked by the TrkB receptor inhibitor K252a (200 nm), by the adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist ZM 241385 (50 nm), and by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (1 microm). Presynaptic, rather than postsynaptic depolarization was required to trigger the BDNF action because after K(+) depolarization BDNF also increased EPSCs recorded from pyramidal neurons voltage-clamped at -60 mV, and transient postsynaptic depolarization was unable to unmask the BDNF action. A weak theta burst stimulation of the afferents could elicit potentiation of synaptic transmission only when applied in the presence of BDNF. Activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors with CGS 21680 (10 nm), or the increase in extracellular adenosine levels induced by 5-iodotubercidin (100 nm) triggered the excitatory action of BDNF, a process prevented by ZM 241385 and by H-89. In the presence of dibutyryl-cAMP (0.5 mm), BDNF also increased fEPSPs but postsynaptic cAMP (0.5 mm) was unable to trigger the BDNF action. It is concluded that presynaptic activity-dependent release of adenosine, through activation of A(2A) receptors, facilitates BDNF modulation of synaptic transmission at hippocampal synapses.

Gene expression profiling following chronic NMDA receptor blockade-induced learning deficits in rats

Acute treatments with MK-801, a noncompetitive antagonist of the NMDA glutamate receptor, induce spatial memory deficits in rodents. In the present study, we developed a low-dose chronic MK-801 treatment regimen that induced persistent learning deficits (determined by the Morris water maze task) after administration of the drug (0.2 mg/kg) every 12 h for 14 days. To determine the impact of such a treatment, changes in mRNA expression were investigated in the hippocampi and striata of treated animals using a cDNA membrane array followed by Western blots. Genes whose expression levels were found to be most altered included preprolactin (downregulated) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase 1; upregulated) in the hippocampus, and acyl-CoA synthetase (downregulated) and apolipoprotein D (upregulated) in the striatum. Furthermore, MAP kinase 1 and proteosome subunit beta precursor was found to meet selection criteria for upregulation in both the hippocampus and striatum. Among other genes found to be most changed in the hippocampus were protein kinase C beta I and II, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1beta, neuropilin I and II, adenosine receptor A1, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3. The impact of some gene expression alterations on their corresponding protein levels was studied next. In the hippocampus, protein kinase C beta I and II, protein tyrosine phosphatase, neuropilin I and II, adenosine receptor A, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3, and in the striatum phosphatidyl inositol 4 kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, adenylyl cyclase II, dopamine receptors 1A and 2, and cytochrome C oxidase subunit Va gene and protein expression levels were found to be highly correlated. These results suggest the potential involvement of several genes and proteins in the neuropharmacological effects of MK-801 and possibly the persisting cognitive deficits induced by this repeated drug treatment.

Blockade of adenosine A1 receptors in the posterior cingulate cortex facilitates memory in rats

Male Wistar rats were bilaterally implanted with indwelling cannulae in the caudal region of the posterior cingulate cortex. After recovery, animals were trained in a step-down inhibitory avoidance task (3.0-s, 0.4-mA foot shock) and received, immediately after training, a 0.5-microl infusion of the adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 1, 50 or 100 nM) or of the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX; 1, 25 or 50 nM). Animals were tested twice, 1.5 h and, again, 24 h after training, in order to examine the effects of these agents on short- and long-term memory, respectively. Only 50-nM DPCPX was effective in altering memory, promoting a facilitation. These results suggest that adenosine A1 receptors in the posterior cingulate cortex inhibit memory consolidation in a way that their blockade facilitates memory for inhibitory avoidance in rats.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors modulate cAMP-mediated long-term potentiation and long-term depression at monosynaptic CA3-CA1 synapses

cAMP induces a protein-synthesis-dependent late phase of long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA3-CA1 synapses in acute hippocampal slices. Herein we report cAMP-mediated LTP and long-term depression (LTD) at monosynaptic CA3-CA1 cell pairs in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. After bath application of the membrane-permeable cAMP analog adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp isomer (Sp-cAMPS), synaptic transmission was enhanced for at least 2 h. Consistent with previous findings, the late phase of LTP requires activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and protein synthesis. There is also an early phase of LTP induced by cAMP; the early phase depends on protein kinase A but, in contrast to the later phase, does not require protein synthesis. In addition, the cAMP-induced LTP is associated with a reduction of paired-pulse facilitation, suggesting that presynaptic modification may be involved. Furthermore, we found that Sp-cAMPS induced LTD in slices pretreated with picrotoxin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor antagonist. This form of LTD depends on protein synthesis and protein phosphatase(s) and is accompanied by an increased ratio of failed synaptic transmission. These results suggest that GABA(A) receptors can modulate the effect of cAMP on synaptic transmission and thus determine the direction of synaptic plasticity.