Modulation of Ca2+ channels by activation of adenosine A1 receptors in rat striatal glutamatergic nerve terminals

Cholinergic and Adenosinergic Modulation of Synaptic Release

In this review we will discuss the effect of two neuromodulatory transmitters, acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine, on the synaptic release probability and short-term synaptic plasticity. ACh and adenosine differ fundamentally in the way they are released into the extracellular space. ACh is released mostly from synaptic terminals and axonal bouton of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF). Its mode of action on synaptic release probability is complex because it activate both ligand-gated ion channels, so-called nicotinic ACh receptors and G-protein coupled muscarinic ACh receptors. In contrast, adenosine is released from both neurons and glia via nucleoside transporters or diffusion over the cell membrane in a non-vesicular, non-synaptic fashion; its receptors are exclusively G-protein coupled receptors. We show that ACh and adenosine effects are highly specific for an identified synaptic connection and depend mostly on the presynaptic but also on the postsynaptic receptor type and discuss the functional implications of these differences.

Keep an eye on adenosine: Its role in retinal inflammation

Adenosine is an endogenous purine nucleoside ubiquitously distributed throughout the body that interacts with G protein-coupled receptors, classified in four subtypes: A₁R, A_2AR, A_2BR and A₃R. Among the plethora of functions of adenosine, it has been increasingly recognized as a key mediator of the immune response. Neuroinflammation is a feature of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and contributes to the pathophysiology of several retinal degenerative diseases. Animal models of retinal diseases are helping to elucidate the regulatory roles of adenosine receptors in the development and progression of those diseases. Mounting evidence demonstrates that the adenosinergic system is altered in the retina during pathological conditions, compromising retinal physiology. This review focuses on the roles played by adenosine and the elements of the adenosinergic system (receptors, enzymes, transporters) in the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the retina. An improved understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the signalling pathways mediated by adenosine underlying the onset and progression of retinal diseases will pave the way towards the identification of new therapeutic approaches.

The neurobiological basis for novel experimental therapeutics in dystonia

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, twisting movements, and abnormal postures that may affect one or multiple body regions. Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Despite its relative frequency, small molecule therapeutics for dystonia are limited. Development of new therapeutics is further hampered by the heterogeneity of both clinical symptoms and etiologies in dystonia. Recent advances in both animal and cell-based models have helped clarify divergent etiologies in dystonia and have facilitated the identification of new therapeutic targets. Advances in medicinal chemistry have also made available novel compounds for testing in biochemical, physiological, and behavioral models of dystonia. Here, we briefly review motor circuit anatomy and the anatomical and functional abnormalities in dystonia. We then discuss recently identified therapeutic targets in dystonia based on recent preclinical animal studies and clinical trials investigating novel therapeutics.

Modulation of Ca2+-currents by sequential and simultaneous activation of adenosine A1 and A 2A receptors in striatal projection neurons

D(1)- and D(2)-types of dopamine receptors are located separately in direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs). In comparison, adenosine A(1)-type receptors are located in both neuron classes, and adenosine A(2A)-type receptors show a preferential expression in iSPNs. Due to their importance for neuronal excitability, Ca(2+)-currents have been used as final effectors to see the function of signaling cascades associated with different G protein-coupled receptors. For example, among many other actions, D(1)-type receptors increase, while D(2)-type receptors decrease neuronal excitability by either enhancing or reducing, respectively, CaV1 Ca(2+)-currents. These actions occur separately in dSPNs and iSPNs. In the case of purinergic signaling, the actions of A(1)- and A(2A)-receptors have not been compared observing their actions on Ca(2+)-channels of SPNs as final effectors. Our hypotheses are that modulation of Ca(2+)-currents by A(1)-receptors occurs in both dSPNs and iSPNs. In contrast, iSPNs would exhibit modulation by both A(1)- and A2A-receptors. We demonstrate that A(1)-type receptors reduced Ca(2+)-currents in all SPNs tested. However, A(2A)-type receptors enhanced Ca(2+)-currents only in half tested neurons. Intriguingly, to observe the actions of A(2A)-type receptors, occupation of A(1)-type receptors had to occur first. However, A(1)-receptors decreased Ca(V)2 Ca(2+)-currents, while A(2A)-type receptors enhanced current through Ca(V)1 channels. Because these channels have opposing actions on cell discharge, these differences explain in part why iSPNs may be more excitable than dSPNs. It is demonstrated that intrinsic voltage-gated currents expressed in SPNs are effectors of purinergic signaling that therefore play a role in excitability.

Control of striatal signaling by g protein regulators

Signaling via heterotrimeric G proteins plays a crucial role in modulating the responses of striatal neurons that ultimately shape core behaviors mediated by the basal ganglia circuitry, such as reward valuation, habit formation, and movement coordination. Activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by extracellular signals activates heterotrimeric G proteins by promoting the binding of GTP to their α subunits. G proteins exert their effects by influencing the activity of key effector proteins in this region, including ion channels, second messenger enzymes, and protein kinases. Striatal neurons express a staggering number of GPCRs whose activation results in the engagement of downstream signaling pathways and cellular responses with unique profiles but common molecular mechanisms. Studies over the last decade have revealed that the extent and duration of GPCR signaling are controlled by a conserved protein family named regulator of G protein signaling (RGS). RGS proteins accelerate GTP hydrolysis by the α subunits of G proteins, thus promoting deactivation of GPCR signaling. In this review, we discuss the progress made in understanding the roles of RGS proteins in controlling striatal G protein signaling and providing integration and selectivity of signal transmission. We review evidence on the formation of a macromolecular complex between RGS proteins and other components of striatal signaling pathways, their molecular regulatory mechanisms and impacts on GPCR signaling in the striatum obtained from biochemical studies and experiments involving genetic mouse models. Special emphasis is placed on RGS9-2, a member of the RGS family that is highly enriched in the striatum and plays critical roles in drug addiction and motor control.

Deletion of adenosine A₁ or A(₂A) receptors reduces L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-induced dyskinesia in a model of Parkinson's disease

Adenosine A(₂A) receptor antagonism provides a promising approach to developing nondopaminergic therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinical trials of A(₂A) antagonists have targeted PD patients with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia (LID) in an effort to improve parkinsonian symptoms. The role of adenosine in the development of LID is little known, especially regarding its actions via A₁ receptors. We aimed to examine the effects of genetic deletion and pharmacological blockade of A₁ and/or A(₂A) receptors on the development of LID, on the induction of molecular markers of LID including striatal preprodynorphin and preproenkephalin (PPE), and on the integrity of dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons in hemiparkinsonian mice. Following a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion A₁, A(₂A) and double A₁-A(₂A) knockout (KO) and wild-type littermate mice, and mice pretreated with caffeine (an antagonist of both A₁ and A(₂A) receptors) or saline were treated daily for 18-21 days with a low dose of L-DOPA. Total abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs, a measure of LID) were significantly attenuated (p<0.05) in A₁ and A(₂A) KOs, but not in A₁-A(₂A) KOs and caffeine-pretreated mice. An elevation of PPE mRNA ipsilateral to the lesion in WT mice was reduced in all KO mice. In addition, neuronal integrity assessed by striatal dopamine content was similar in all KOs and caffeine-pretreated mice following 6-hydroxydopamine lesioning. Our findings raise the possibility that A₁ or A(₂A) receptors blockade might also confer a disease-modifying benefit of reduced risk of disabling LID, whereas the effect of their combined inactivation is less clear.

Anticonvulsant effect of aqueous extract of Valeriana officinalis in amygdala-kindled rats: possible involvement of adenosine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Valeriana officinalis L. (valerian) root extract has been used as an antiepileptic herbal medicine in Iran.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

In the present study the effect of valerian extracts on an experimental model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was evaluated. Moreover, the involvement of adenosine system in the actions of aqueous extract of valerian was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bipolar stimulating and monopolar recording electrodes were implanted stereotaxically in the right basolateral amygdala of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After kindling, the effect of aqueous (200, 500 and 800 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) and petroleum ether (PE; 50 and 100mg/kg; intraperitoneal) extracts of valerian and CPT (selective A(1) receptor antagonist; 10 and 20 microM; intracerebroventricular) on afterdischarge duration (ADD), duration of stage 5 seizure (S5D) and latency to the onset of bilateral forelimb clonuses (S4L) were measured. The effect of CPT (10 microM) on the response of aqueous extract of valerian (500 mg/kg) was also determined.

RESULTS

The results showed that aqueous extract of valerian had anticonvulsant effect. However, PE extract and CPT (20 microM) had proconvulsant effect. Administration of CPT (10 microM) before the administration of aqueous extract decreased the anticonvulsant effect of valerian.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed significant anticonvulsant effect for aqueous but not PE extract of valerian. Moreover, CPT as a selective adenosine A(1) receptor antagonist decreased the anticonvulsant effect of valerian aqueous extract. Therefore, we concluded that part of anticonvulsant effect of valerian probably is mediated through activation of adenosine system.

A Role for Adenosine A1 Receptors in GABA and NMDA-Receptor Mediated Modulation of Dopamine Release: Studies Using Fast Cyclic Voltammetry

In the striatum many neurotransmitters including GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine, dopamine, nitric oxide and adenosine interact to regulate synaptic transmission. Dopamine release in the striatum is regulated by a number of pre- and post-synaptic receptors including adenosine. We have recently shown using isolated rat striatal slices, and the technique of fast cyclic voltammetry, that adenosine A₁ receptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine release is modulated by dopamine D₁ receptors. In the present study we have investigated the influence of NMDA and GABA receptor activation on the modulation of electrically stimulated dopamine release by adenosine. Application of the adenosine A₁ receptor agonist, N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), concentration-dependently inhibited dopamine release to a maxiumum of 50%. Perfusion of the glutamate receptor agonist, NMDA, in low magnesium, caused a rapid and concentration-dependent inhibition of dopamine release. Prior perfusion with the adenosine A₁ receptor antagonist, DPCPX, significantly reduced the effect of 5 μM and 10 μM NMDA on dopamine release. The GABA_A receptor agonist, isoguvacine, had a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on dopamine release which was reversed by prior application of the GABA_A receptor antagonist, picrotoxin, but not DPCPX. Finally inhibition of dopamine release by CPA (1μM) was significantly enhanced by prior perfusion with picrotoxin. These data demonstrate an important role for GABA, NMDA and adenosine in the modulation of dopamine release.

Changes in neuromodulatory effect of adenosine A1 receptors on piriform cortex field potentials in amygdala kindled rats

Adenosine exerts its anticonvulsants effect through different brain regions including piriform cortex. In this study, the effect of amygdala kindled seizures on adenosine A1 receptor-mediated neuromodulation in piriform cortex pyramidal neurons was tested at 24 h and 1 month after kindling. Animals were kindled by daily electrical stimulation of amygdala. Field potentials were recorded from layer II of piriform cortex pyramidal cells following stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract. Obtained results showed that N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist (1, 10 and 100 microM; i.c.v.), reduced A1 slope and B1 amplitude of field potentials in both kindled and non-kindled (control) rats. However, its effects on kindled animals were more potent at 24 h, but not 1 month post-kindling. 8 cyclopenthyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT), a selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist (50 microM, i.c.v.), had no significant effect on the field potential parameters. However, CPT (50 microM, i.c.v.) pretreatment eliminated effects of CHA (10 microM; i.c.v.) on the field potentials. These results indicate that activation of adenosine A1 receptors has an inhibitory effect on the field potentials of piriform cortex pyramidal neurons and the efficiency of adenosine A1 receptor neuromodulation in piriform cortex is increased at short-term (24 h) but return to normal at long-term (1 month) after kindling implementation.

Up-regulation of adenosine A1 receptor binding in pentylenetetrazol kindling in mice: effects of angiotensin IV

The effects of the hexapeptide angiotensin II (3-8) ANG IV, the selective A(1) receptor agonist cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and the combination of ANG IV + CHA on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-generalized seizures; kindling development and maintenance were studied. By using in vitro quantitative receptor autoradiography, the regulation of adenosine A(1) receptor density at different time points during the kindling procedure and postkindling period was determined. ANG IV and CHA effectively reduced clonic seizures in PTZ-generalized seizure model, in PTZ-kindled mice as well as during kindling development and a week later by rechallenge with PTZ. Furthermore, coadministration of ANG IV and CHA had a strong anticonvulsant effect, both compounds acting synergistically. A significant increase of adenosine A(1) receptor density was detected in somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and geniculate nuclei early in the kindling procedure (after the 3rd injection), which persisted at least 1 month after the end of kindling procedure. In addition, a delayed up-regulation of adenosine A(1) receptor binding was observed a week after kindling in the mamillary bodies and a month later in the motor cortex. The pretreatment with ANG IV caused a down-regulation of adenosine A(1) receptor density to the control level in most time points and brain areas. In conclusion, PTZ kindling-induced increase of adenosine A(1) receptor binding at different time points and in specific brain structures might represent an adaptive mechanism for coping with the hyperexcitability typical for this phenomenon. The antiepileptogenic effect of ANG IV could be realized partly through an adenosine-dependent mechanism.

Regulation of vesicle traffic and neurotransmitter release in isolated nerve terminals

In this overview current insights in the regulation of presynaptic transmitter release, mainly acquired in studies using isolated CNS nerve terminals are highlighted. The following aspects are described. (i) The usefulness of pinched-off nerve terminals, so-called synaptosomes, for biochemical and ultrastructural studies of presynaptic stimulus-secretion coupling. (ii) The regulation of neurotransmitter release by multiple Ca2+ channels, with special emphasis on the specificity of different classes of these channels with respect to the release of distinct types of neurotransmitters, that are often co-localized, such as amino acids and neuropeptides. (iii) Possible molecular mechanisms involved in targeting synaptic vesicle (SV) traffic toward the active zone. (iv) The role of presynaptic receptors in regulating transmitter release, with special emphasis on different glutamate subtype receptors. Isolated nerve terminals are of great value as model system in order to obtain a better understanding of the regulation of the release of distinct classes of neurotransmitters in tiny CNS nerve endings.

Sensitivity to selective adenosine A1 and A2A receptor antagonists of the release of glutamate induced by ischemia in rat cerebrocortical slices

Adenosine released during cerebral ischemia is considered to act as a neuroprotectant, possibly through the inhibition of glutamate release. The involvement of A(1) and A(2A) receptors in the control of the rise of extracellular glutamate during ischemia was investigated by monitoring the effects of selective A(1) and A(2A) receptor antagonists on ischemia-evoked glutamate release in rat cerebrocortical slices.Slices were superfused with oxygen- and glucose-deprived medium and [(3)H]D-aspartate or endogenous glutamate was measured in the superfusate fractions. Withdrawal of Ca(2+) ions or addition of tetrodotoxin more than halved the ischemia-evoked efflux of [(3)H]D-aspartate or glutamate, compatible with a vesicular-like release. The glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-TBOA prevented the ischemia-evoked efflux of [(3)H]D-aspartate by about 40%, indicating a carrier-mediated efflux. The ischemia-evoked efflux of [(3)H]D-aspartate or glutamate was increased by the A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX. The A(2A) antagonist SCH 58261 decreased [(3)H]D-aspartate or endogenous glutamate efflux (50 and 55% maximal inhibitions; EC(50): 14.9 and 7.6 nM, respectively); the drug was effective also if added during ischemia. No effect of either the A(1) or the A(2A) receptor antagonist was found on the ischemia-evoked efflux of [(3)H]D-aspartate in Ca(2+)-free medium. Our data suggest that adenosine released during cerebral ischemia can activate inhibitory A(1) and stimulatory A(2A) receptors that down- or up-regulate the vesicular-like component of glutamate release.

Effects of adenosine A1 and A2A receptor activation on the evoked release of glutamate from rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes

1. The effects of adenosine A2A and A1 receptor activation on the release of glutamate were studied in rat cerebral cortex synaptosomes exposed in superfusion to adenosine receptor ligands. 2. Adenosine (0.1 microM) produced a significant potentiation of the Ca2+-dependent K+ (15 mM)-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow (20.4+/-3.5%), which was blocked by A2A blocker SCH58261 (0.1 microM). At higher concentrations (10 - 1000 microM) adenosine inhibited in a DPCPX-sensitive manner the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow. The inhibitory effect of adenosine at 1000 microM was significantly increased by SCH58261. This inhibition was antagonized by 1 microM DPCPX. Adenosine did not produce any effect on basal release. 3. The A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 was ineffective on basal release, but stimulated the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked overflow of [3H]-D-aspartate (EC50 approximately 1 pM). The effect of 0.01 nM CGS 21680 was totally sensitive to the A2A receptor antagonist SCH58261 (IC50 approximately 5 nM). 4. The A1 receptor agonist CCPA inhibited the Ca2+-dependent K+-evoked [3H]-D-aspartate overflow (EC50 approximately 20 nM). The effect of 100 nM CCPA was abolished by 100 nM of the A1 receptor antagonist DPCPX. 5. The K+ (15 mM)-evoked overflow of endogenous glutamate was enhanced by CGS 21680 (0.01 nM) and inhibited by CCPA (0.1 microM). The effect of CGS 21680 was abolished by SCH58261 (0.1 microM) and that of CCPA by DPCPX (0.1 microM). 6. It is concluded that adenosine and adenosine receptor agonists modulate glutamate release by activating inhibitory A1 and excitatory A2A receptors present on glutamatergic terminals of the rat cerebral cortex.

2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine-elicited attenuation of evoked glutamate release is not sufficient to give complete protection against pilocarpine-induced seizures in rats

The effects of 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) perfused intrahippocampally (1 microM) and injected intraperitoneally (0.5 mg/kg) were investigated in focally-evoked pilocarpine-induced (10 mM) seizures in freely moving rats. While the intrahippocampal perfusion of this highly selective adenosine A(1) receptor agonist gave complete protection against pilocarpine-induced seizures, systemic administration only partially protected the animals, as evaluated by concomitant behavioural and electrocorticographical (ECoG) observations and monitoring of the neurotransmitter alterations. However, pilocarpine-evoked elevation of hippocampal glutamate overflow was significantly attenuated by CCPA irrespective of the mode of administration. Acute pretreatment with systemic 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, a selective A(1) antagonist, reversed both the partial protective effect and the attenuating effect on the extracellular glutamate elicited by systemic CCPA administration. Intrahippocampal CCPA markedly reduced basal hippocampal dopamine efflux but not GABA or glutamate and considerably attenuated the pilocarpine-evoked elevation in dopamine levels. Systemic CCPA appeared to have little influence on the overall pattern of dopamine elevation. The findings give evidence that CCPA-elicited abatement of the evoked glutamate release alone, cannot fully account for its anticonvulsant effect and may suggest that the effects mediated by adenosine on postsynaptic adenosine receptors could be more crucial for its anticonvulsant effect.

Adenosine A1 receptors modulate high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents and motor pattern generation in the xenopus embryo

Adenosine causes voltage- and non-voltage-dependent inhibition of high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents in Xenopus laevis embryo spinal neurons. As this inhibition can be blocked by 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) and mimicked by N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) it appears to be mediated by A1 receptors. Agents active at A2 receptors either were without effect or could be blocked by DPCPX. AMP had no agonist action on these receptors. By using omega-conotoxin GVIA we found that adenosine inhibited an N-type Ca2+ current as well as a further unidentified HVA current that was insensitive to dihydropyridines, omega-agatoxin TK and omega-conotoxin MVIIC. Both types of current were subject to voltage- and non-voltage-dependent inhibition. We used CPA and DPCPX to test whether A1 receptors regulated spinal motor pattern generation in spinalized Xenopus embryos. DPCPX caused a near doubling of, while CPA greatly shortened, the length of swimming episodes. In addition, DPCPX slowed, while CPA greatly speeded up, the rate of run-down of motor activity. Our results demonstrate a novel action of A1 receptors in modulating spinal motor activity. Furthermore they confirm that adenosine is produced continually throughout swimming episodes and acts to cause the eventual termination of activity.

Control of glutamate release by calcium channels and kappa-opioid receptors in rodent and primate striatum

The modulation of depolarization (4-aminopyridine, 2 mM)-evoked endogenous glutamate release by kappa-opioid receptor activation and blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ -channels has been investigated in synaptosomes prepared from rat and marmoset striatum. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP)-stimulated, Ca2+ -dependent glutamate release was inhibited by enadoline, a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist, in a concentration-dependent and norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI, selective kappa-opioid receptor antagonist)-sensitive manner in rat (IC50 = 4.4+/-0.4 microM) and marmoset (IC50 = 2.9+/-0.7 microM) striatal synaptosomes. However, in the marmoset, there was a significant (approximately 23%) nor-BNI-insensitive component. In rat striatal synaptosomes, the Ca2+ -channel antagonists omega-agatoxin-IVA (P/Q-type blocker), omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (N/P/Q-type blocker) and omega-conotoxin-GVIA (N-type blocker) reduced 4-AP-stimulated, Ca2+ -dependent glutamate release in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 6.5+/-0.9 nM, 75.5+5.9 nM and 106.5+/-8.7 nM, respectively. In marmoset striatal synaptosomes, 4-AP-stimulated, Ca2+ -dependent glutamate release was significantly inhibited by omega-agatoxin-IVA (30 nM, 57.6+/-2.3%, inhibition), omega-conotoxin-MVIIC (300 nM, 57.8+/-3.1%) and omega-conotoxin-GVIA (1 microM, 56.7+/-2%). Studies utilizing combinations of Ca2+ -channel antagonists suggests that in the rat striatum, two relatively distinct pools of glutamate, released by activation of either P or Q-type Ca2+ -channels, exist. In contrast, in the primate there is much overlap between the glutamate released by P and Q-type Ca2+ -channel activation. Studies using combinations of enadoline and the Ca2+ -channel antagonists suggest that enadoline-induced inhibition of glutamate release occurs primarily via reduction of Ca2+ -influx through P-type Ca2+ -channels in the rat but via N-type Ca2+ -channels in the marmoset. In conclusion, the results presented suggest that there are species differences in the control of glutamate release by kappa-opioid receptors and Ca2+ -channels.

ATP and glutamate are released from separate neurones in the rat medial habenula nucleus: frequency dependence and adenosine-mediated inhibition of release

1. ATP and glutamatergic synaptic currents were compared in slices of rat medial habenula nucleus using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. 2. In most cells low voltage stimulation resulted in glutamatergic responses and not purinergic responses. In five cells where ATP currents could be stimulated with low voltages, wash out of glutamate antagonists did not reveal evoked glutamate currents. Spontaneous glutamate currents confirmed washout of antagonist. 3. Modulation of release probability of glutamate and ATP, assessed by changes in failure rate of synaptic currents, was compared under conditions of different stimulation frequencies and in the presence of adenosine agonists and antagonists. 4. ATP release, but not glutamate release, was shown to be modulated by increased stimulation frequency which resulted in inhibition of ATP release via A2-like adenosine receptors. A1 receptors caused inhibition of both ATP and glutamate release. 5. Endogenous adenosine inhibited glutamate release via A1 receptors but only inhibited ATP release via A2-like receptors. 6. Attempts to inhibit the degradation of ATP to adenosine did not alter the frequency dependence of the failure rate. 7. We conclude, from the direct demonstration and from the differences in pharmacology and frequency dependence of the modulation of release, that ATP and glutamate responses are due to release from separate neurones.

Inhibition of N-,P/Q- and other types of Ca2+ channels in rat hippocampal nerve terminals by the adenosine A1 receptor

The effects of the adenosine A1 receptor agonist, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), on both the increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and on the release of endogenous glutamate in rat hippocampal synaptosomes were studied. The inhibitory effect of CPA on the increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated with 4-aminopyridine was neutralized by the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). The inhibitory effect of CPA was greater in synaptosomes from the CA1 subregion than in whole hippocampal synaptosomes. The inhibitory effects of both CPA and of the Ca2+ channel blockers, omega-conotoxin GVIA, omega-conotoxin MVIIC or omega-conotoxin GVIA plus omega-conotoxin MVIIC, were greater than those caused by the Ca2+ channel blockers. The release of endogenous glutamate was inhibited by 41% by CPA. The inhibition observed when CPA and omega-conotoxin GVIA or CPA and omega-conotoxin MVIIC were present was also greater than the inhibition by the Ca2+ channel blockers alone. The presence of both omega-conotoxin GVIA and omega-conotoxin MVIIC did not completely inhibit the release of glutamate, and CPA significantly enhanced this inhibition. The membrane potential and the accumulation of [3H]tetraphenylphosphonium of polarized or depolarized synaptosomes was not affected by CPA, suggesting that adenosine did not increase potassium conductances. The present results suggest that, in hippocampal glutamatergic nerve terminals, adenosine A1 receptor activation partly inhibits P/Q- and other non-identified types of Ca2+ channels.

Activation of adenosine A1 and A2 receptors differentially affects acetylcholine release from electric organ synaptosomes by modulating calcium channels

Adenosine inhibited the release of acetylcholine (ACh) evoked by high K+ depolarization from synaptosomes isolated from the electric organ of the Japanese electric ray Narke japonica. The adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine was an effective inhibitor. Conversely, in the presence of an A1 receptor antagonist, 8-cyclopentyltheophylline, adenosine potentiated the release of ACh. The A2 receptor agonist N6-[2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl] adenosine also facilitated the evoked ACh release. Thus, adenosine inhibits the evoked release of ACh via the A1 receptor while it facilitates the release via the A2 receptor. The EC50 for inhibition and facilitation by adenosine was about 1 and 41 microM, respectively. There are three known types of calcium channels (N-, P/Q- and L-type) in synaptosomes. The effects of Ca2+ channel type-specific blockers on the modulation of ACh release by adenosine A1 or A2 receptor activation revealed that inhibition by A1 receptor activation was caused via inhibition of N-type calcium channels and the facilitative effects by A2 receptor activation was mediated by potentiation of P-type calcium channels.

Adenosine depresses transmitter release but is not the basis for 'tetanic fade' at the neuromuscular junction of the rat

It has been suggested that during repetitive neural stimulation adenosine accumulates at the neuromuscular junction and the resulting negative feedback action of adenosine is the major basis for tetanic fade (decline in action of adenosine during repetitive stimulation) This hypothesis was examined at the rat neuromuscular junction by examining the effects of blocking adenosine A1-receptors. Intracellular recording techniques were used to monitor end-plate potentials and miniature end-plate potentials. The data suggest that while adenosine serves a role in depressing transmitter release, adenosine accumulation during brief periods of stimulation is minimal and adenosine is not the cause for tetanic fade.