On the adenosine receptor and adenosine inactivation at the rat diaphragm neuromuscular junction

Effect of endogenous purines on electrically evoked ACh release at the mouse neuromuscular junction

At the mouse neuromuscular junction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is co-released with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), and its metabolite adenosine, modulate neurotransmitter release by activating presynaptic inhibitory P2Y₁₃ receptors (a subtype of ATP/adenosine diphosphate [ADP] receptor), inhibitory A₁ and A₃ adenosine receptors, and excitatory A_2A adenosine receptors. To study the effect of endogenous purines, when phrenic-diaphragm preparations are depolarized by different nerve stimulation patterns, we analyzed the effect of the antagonists for P2Y₁₃ , A₁ , A₃ , and A_2A receptors (AR-C69931MX, 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, MRS-1191, and SCH-58261, respectively) on the amplitude of the end-plate potentials of the trains, and contrasted these results with those obtained with the selective agonists of these receptors (2-methylthioadenosine 5'-diphosphate trisodium salt hydrate, 2-chloro-N⁶ -cyclopentyl-adenosine, inosine, and PSB-0777, respectively). During continuous 0.5-Hz stimulation, the amount of endogenous purines was not enough to activate purinergic receptors, while at continuous 5-Hz stimulation, an incipient action of endogenous purines on P2Y₁₃ , A₁ and A3 receptors might be evident just at the end of the trains. During continuous 50-Hz stimulation, the concentration of endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine exerted an inhibitory action on ACh release after of the initial phase of the train, but when the nerve was stimulated at intermittent 50 Hz (5 bursts), this behavior was not observed. Excitatory A_2A receptors were only activated when continuous 100-Hz stimulation was applied. In conclusion, when motor nerve terminals are depolarized by repetitive stimulation of the phrenic nerve, endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine are able to fine-tune neurosecretion depending on the frequency and pattern of stimulation.

Modulatory Roles of ATP and Adenosine in Cholinergic Neuromuscular Transmission

A review of the data on the modulatory action of adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP), the main co-transmitter with acetylcholine, and adenosine, the final ATP metabolite in the synaptic cleft, on neuromuscular transmission is presented. The effects of these endogenous modulators on pre- and post-synaptic processes are discussed. The contribution of purines to the processes of quantal and non-quantal secretion of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft, as well as the influence of the postsynaptic effects of ATP and adenosine on the functioning of cholinergic receptors, are evaluated. As usual, the P2-receptor-mediated influence is minimal under physiological conditions, but it becomes very important in some pathophysiological situations such as hypothermia, stress, or ischemia. There are some data demonstrating the same in neuromuscular transmission. It is suggested that the role of endogenous purines is primarily to provide a safety factor for the efficiency of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission.

Endogenous purines modulate K+ -evoked ACh secretion at the mouse neuromuscular junction

At the mouse neuromuscular junction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is co-released with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), and once in the synaptic cleft, it is hydrolyzed to adenosine. Both ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine modulate ACh secretion by activating presynaptic P2Y₁₃ and A₁ , A_2A , and A₃ receptors, respectively. To elucidate the action of endogenous purines on K⁺ -dependent ACh release, we studied the effect of purinergic receptor antagonists on miniature end-plate potential (MEPP) frequency in phrenic diaphragm preparations. At 10 mM K⁺ , the P2Y₁₃ antagonist N-[2-(methylthio)ethyl]-2-[3,3,3-trifluoropropyl]thio-5'-adenylic acid, monoanhydride with (dichloromethylene)bis[phosphonic acid], tetrasodium salt (AR-C69931MX) increased asynchronous ACh secretion while the A₁ , A₃ , and A_2A antagonists 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), (3-Ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1, 4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-, dicarboxylate (MRS-1191), and 2-(2-Furanyl)-7-(2-phenylethyl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine (SCH-58261) did not modify neurosecretion. The inhibition of equilibrative adenosine transporters by S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine provoked a reduction of 10 mM K⁺ -evoked ACh release, suggesting that the adenosine generated from ATP is being removed from the synaptic space by the transporters. At 15 and 20 mM K⁺ , endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine bind to inhibitory P2Y₁₃ and A₁ and A₃ receptors since AR-C69931MX, DPCPX, and MRS-1191 increased MEPP frequency. Similar results were obtained when the generation of adenosine was prevented by using the ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibitor α,β-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate sodium salt. SCH-58261 only reduced neurosecretion at 20 mM K⁺ , suggesting that more adenosine is needed to activate excitatory A_2A receptors. At high K⁺ concentration, the equilibrative transporters appear to be saturated allowing the accumulation of adenosine in the synaptic cleft. In conclusion, when motor nerve terminals are depolarized by increasing K⁺ concentrations, the ATP/ADP and adenosine endogenously generated are able to modulate ACh secretion by sequential activation of different purinergic receptors.

Modulation of dopamine-mediated facilitation at the neuromuscular junction of Wistar rats: A role for adenosine A1/A2A receptors and P2 purinoceptors

This study aims to understand how dopamine and the neuromodulators, adenosine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) modulate neuromuscular transmission. Adenosine and ATP are well-recognized for their regulatory effects on dopamine in the central nervous system. However, if similar interactions occur at the neuromuscular junction is unknown. We hypothesize that the activation of adenosine A1/A2A and/or P2 purinoceptors may influence the action of dopamine on neuromuscular transmission. Using the rat phrenic nerve hemi-diaphragm, we assessed the influence of dopamine, adenosine and ATP on the height of nerve-evoked muscle twitches. We investigated how the selective blockade of adenosine A1 receptors (2.5nM DPCPX), adenosine A2A receptors (50nM CSC) and P2 purinoceptors (100μM suramin) modified the effects of dopamine. Dopamine alone increased indirect muscle contractions while adenosine and ATP either enhanced or depressed nerve-evoked muscle twitches in a concentration-dependent manner. The facilitatory effects of 256μM dopamine were significantly reduced to 29.62±2.79% or 53.69±5.45% in the presence of DPCPX or CSC, respectively, relative to 70.03±1.57% with dopamine alone. Alternatively, the action of 256μM dopamine was potentiated from 70.03±1.57, in the absence of suramin, to 86.83±4.36%, in the presence of suramin. It can be concluded that the activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors and P2 purinoceptors potentially play a central role in the regulation of dopamine effects at the neuromuscular junction. Clinically this study offers new insights for the indirect manipulation of neuromuscular transmission for the treatment of disorders characterized by motor dysfunction.

Neuromuscular transmission modulation by adenosine upon aging

In infant rats adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated modulation of neuromuscular transmission predominates over A1 receptor-mediated neuromodulation. We investigated whether aging affects this A(2A)/A(1) receptor balance. Evoked (EPPs) and miniature end plate potentials (MEPPs) were recorded from single fibers of (weeks-old) infant (3-4), young adult (12-16), older (36-38), and aged (80-90) male rat-diaphragm. The non A1/A(2A) selective agonist, 2-chloroadenosine (CADO; 30 nM) and the adenosine kinase inhibitor, iodotubericidin (ITU; 10 μM) increased mean amplitude and quantal content of EPPs in infant, young adult, and older adult rats, but not in aged rats. The facilitatory effects were prevented by the A(2A) receptor antagonist, ZM241385 (50 nM) and mimicked by the A(2A) receptor agonist, CGS21680 (10 nM). The A1 receptor agonist, 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 100 nM), decreased EPPs amplitude in all age groups. It is concluded that aging differently influences adenosine A1 receptor and A(2A) receptor-mediated presynaptic modulation of neuromuscular transmission, so that the facilitatory influence decreases upon aging, whereas the inhibitory influence remains unchanged in aged animals. The reduction of adenosine A(2A) receptors upon aging may contribute to the age-related changes in neuromuscular function.

Modulation and metamodulation of synapses by adenosine

The presence of adenosine in all nervous system cells (neurones and glia) together with its intensive release following insults makes adenosine as a sort of 'regulator' of synaptic communication, leading to the homeostatic coordination of brain function. Besides the direct actions of adenosine on the neurosecretory mechanisms, to tune neurotransmitter release, adenosine receptors interact with other receptors as well as with transporters as part of its attempt to fine-tune synaptic transmission. This review will focus on examples of the different ways adenosine can use to modulate or metamodulate synapses, in other words, to trigger or brake the action of some neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, to cross-talk with other G protein-coupled receptors, with ionotropic receptors and with receptor kinases as well as with transporters. Most of these interactions occur through A2A receptors, which in spite of their low density in some brain areas, such as the hippocampus, may function as amplifiers of the signalling of other mediators at synapses.

Predominance of adenosine excitatory over inhibitory effects on transmission at the neuromuscular junction of infant rats

Adenosine-induced modulation of neuromuscular transmission in young (3-4-week-old) rats was evaluated. Inhibition of adenosine kinase with iodotubercidin (ITU; 10 microM), which is known to induce adenosine release, enhanced the amplitude of evoked end-plate potentials (EPPs) recorded from innervated diaphragm muscle fibers. This facilitatory effect was transformed into an inhibitory one upon blockade of adenosine A(2A) receptors with 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furly)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin5ylamino] ethyl) phenol (ZM 241385) (50 nM); further blockade of adenosine A(1) receptors with the selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 10 nM) abolished that inhibition. Adenosine or 2-chloroadenosine (CADO), at submicromolar concentrations, increased the amplitude and the quantal content of EPPs, whereas at low micromolar concentrations they decreased EPP amplitude. Blockade of A(1) receptors with DPCPX (10 nM) prevented both excitatory and inhibitory effects, whereas blockade of A(2A) receptors with ZM241385 (50 nM) prevented only the excitatory effects. DPCPX and ZM241385 also prevented the excitatory effect of the selective A(2A) receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine hydrochloride (CGS 21680; 10 nM). CADO (30 nM) also increased neuromuscular transmission in adult (12-16-week-old) rats. It is suggested that at the motor nerve endings, low extracellular concentrations of adenosine activate both A(2A) and A(1) receptors, but activation of A(2A) receptors predominates over A(1) receptors; the activity of A(2A) receptors might, however, require coactivation of A(1) receptors. This facilitatory action of low concentrations of extracellular adenosine upon acetylcholine release may be particularly relevant at developing neuromuscular junctions, where subtle changes in synaptic levels of acetylcholine might influence synaptic stabilization.

Adenosine and adenosine uptake inhibitors potentiate the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium mediated by adenosine A(1) receptors in isolated rat diaphragms

BACKGROUND

Adenosine, which pre-junctionally modulates neuromuscular transmission, and adenosine uptake inhibitors, which increase extracellular adenosine, have been used clinically. We investigated the effects of adenosine, dipyridamole and midazolam on the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium.

METHODS

Isometric twitch tensions of rat nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations elicited by indirect (phrenic nerve) supra-maximal stimulation at 0.1 Hz were evaluated (n=6 in all data).

RESULTS

Pre-treatments with adenosine (0.1 and 1 microM) and CCPA (1 microM, adenosine A(1) receptor agonist), but not that with CGS21680 (0.5 microM, A(2) receptor agonist), shifted the rocuronium concentration-twitch tension curves to the left and decreased the rocuronium concentration for 50% twitch depression (IC(50)) compared with the control (P<0.01). The leftward shift induced by 1 microM adenosine was inhibited by pre-treatments with theophylline (50 microM, non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist) and DPCPX (0.2 microM, A(1) receptor antagonist) but not by that with DPMA (5 microM, A(2) receptor antagonist). Pre-treatments with dipyridamole and midazolam, adenosine uptake inhibitors, shifted the curve to the left and decreased IC(50) at supra-therapeutic concentrations (10 and 2.5 microM, respectively) but not at clinical concentrations (2 and 0.5 microM, respectively), and the leftward shifts were inhibited by pre-treatment with DPCPX (0.2 microM).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that adenosine potentiates the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium mediated by adenosine A(1) receptors and that supra-therapeutic concentrations of dipyridamole and midazolam also potentiate the action of rocuronium by increasing endogenous adenosine concentration.

Presynaptic adenosine and P2Y receptors

Adenine-based purines, such as adenosine and ATP, are ubiquitous molecules that, in addition to their roles in metabolism, act as modulators of neurotransmitter release through activation of presynaptic P1 purinoceptors or adenosine receptors (activated by adenosine) and P2 receptors (activated by nucleotides). Of the latter, the P2Y receptors are G protein-coupled, whereas the P2X receptors are ligand-gated ion channels and not covered in this review.

A2A adenosine receptors are located on presynaptic motor nerve terminals in the mouse

Extracellular adenosine is present at the mammalian neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by virtue of its release from activated nerve terminals and muscle fibers, and as a metabolite of adenosine tri-phosphate, which is coreleased with acetylcholine. Two activities for adenosine have been described: an inhibitory effect presumed to be modulated by the A1 receptor subtype, and a facilitatory effect mediated by the A2A receptor subtype. To date, only pharmacological evidence is available for these actions. We have used an antibody against the A2A receptor subtype, and demonstrated that A2A receptors are present on presynaptic motor nerve terminals at NMJs but not on associated glial or muscle cells, in the mouse. These results therefore provide additional evidence that there are multiple adenosine receptors present at the NMJ, and that stimulation of quantal and nonquantal release of acetylcholine (ACh) could be mediated by A2A receptors.

Endogenous adenosine modulation of 22Na uptake by rat brain synaptosomes

To evaluate if endogenous extracellular adenosine influences sodium channel activity in nerve terminals, we investigated how manipulations of extracellular adenosine levels influence 22Na uptake by rat brain synaptosomes stimulated with veratridine (VT). To decrease extracellular adenosine levels, adenosine deaminase (ADA) that converts adenosine into an inactive metabolite was used. To increase extracellular adenosine levels, we used the adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA), as well as the inhibitor of adenosine transport, nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI). ADA (0.1-5 U/ml) caused an excitatory effect on 22Na uptake stimulated by veratridine, which was abolished in the presence of the adenosine deaminase inhibitor erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA, 25 microM). Both the adenosine uptake inhibitor nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI, 1-10 microM) and the adenosine deaminase inhibitor EHNA (10-25 microM) inhibited 22Na uptake by rat brain synaptosomes. It is suggested that adenosine is tonically inhibiting sodium uptake by rat brain synaptosomes.

Biochemical properties of 5'-nucleotidase from mouse skeletal muscle

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eNT) from mouse muscle has been purified after extraction with detergent followed by chromatography on concanavalin A- and AMP-Sepharose. Three fractions were recovered: UF was NT non-retained in immobilised AMP; F-I was bound enzyme eluted with beta-glycerophosphate, and F-II was bound NT released with AMP. eNT was 80000-fold purified in F-II, this fraction showing proteins of 74, 68 and 51 kDa after immunoblotting. NT in UF migrated at 6.7S after centrifugation in sucrose gradients with Triton X-100, the peak being split into two of 6.7S and 4.4S in gradients with Brij 96. Ecto-NT in F-I or F-II migrated at 5.8S in Triton X-100-, or 4.4S in Brij 96-containing gradients. The hydrodynamic behaviour, concentration in Triton X-114, binding to phenyl-agarose, and sensitivity to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C revealed that enzyme forms in F-I or F-II were amphiphilic dimers with linked phosphatidylinositol residues, whilst most of NT forms in UF were hydrophilic dimers. A zinc/protein molar ratio of 2.2 was determined for eNT in F-II. NT activity was decreased in assays made in imidazole buffer, and was partly restored with 10 microM Zn2+ or 100 microM Mn2+. In assays with Tris buffer, NT showed a Km for AMP of 12 microM, and was competitively inhibited by ATP or ADP.

Purinoceptors in neuromuscular transmission

At the neuromuscular junction, P2-purinoceptors mediate the actions of the co-transmitter ATP and P1-purinoceptors, those of its degradation product adenosine. The classification of the subtypes of P1- and P2-purinoceptors and their signal transduction routes is presented. Purinoceptor-mediated effects on the prejunctional release of acetylcholine and the postjunctional desensitization and expression of nicotinic receptors are discussed in depth. An additional section on the reversal action of the P2-purinoceptor antagonist suramin on neuromuscular block underscores the importance of testing purinoceptor-targeted drugs once they will be marketed, to avoid adverse effects in patients.

On the high affinity of 8-cyclohexylcaffeine for the presynaptic inhibitory adenosine receptor present in rat motor nerve terminals

Rat neuromuscular junction was used to study the characteristics of presynaptic A1 adenosine receptors. We investigated the ability of the 8-substituted caffeine, 8-cyclohexylcaffeine (CHC), as well as of 1,3,8-substituted xanthines, 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (DPSPX) and 8-p-sulfophenyl-1-isoamyl-3-isobutylxanthine (SPIIBX) to antagonize the inhibitory effect of 2-chloroadenosine on the amplitude of nerve-evoked twitches of the rat phrenic-hemidiaphragm, and we compared the affinity of these xanthines with that of 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopenthylxanthine (DPCPX). CHC, DPSPX and SPIIBX in a near parallel manner shifted to the right the log concentration-response curve for the inhibitory effect of 2-chloroadenosine on nerve-evoked twitch amplitude. Linear Schild plots with slopes near to unity were obtained for all these xanthines. The order of potency of the xanthines was DPCPX (Ki = 0.53 nM) > DPSPX (38 nM) = CHC (41 nM) > SPIIBX (404 nM). The affinities of DPSPX and SPIIBX for the A1 receptor at the rat neuromuscular junction are in agreement with the affinities described for A1 receptors at brain membranes. The now reported affinity of CHC for the presynaptic A1 receptor is 683 times higher than that obtained in binding studies in rat brain membranes, and is only 49 times higher than that obtained in functional assays (adenylate cyclase activity) in non-neuronal preparations (rat fat cells).

Modulation by presynaptic adenosine A1 receptors of nicotinic receptor antagonist-induced neuromuscular block in the mouse

We have investigated how altering the activation of adenosine A1 receptors modifies nicotinic receptor antagonist-induced fade of tetanic contractions in the mouse isolated hemi-diaphragm. Vecuronium-induced tetanic fade was attenuated by an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, DPCPX, 10(-7) M) and by an inhibitor of the synthesis of extracellular adenosine from ATP (alpha,beta-methylene ADP, MeADP, 5 x 10(-5) M). Conversely, vecuronium-induced tetanic fade was potentiated by an adenosine A1 receptor agonist (N6-cyclohexyladenosine, CHA, 10(-7) M) and an inhibitor of the extracellular destruction of adenosine (erythro-9-[2-hydroxy-3-nonyl]adenine, EHNA, 10(-4) M). The ability of an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist to attenuate vecuronium-induced tetanic fade indicates that a component of this fade is due to endogenous adenosine. Further, the ability of the inhibitor of adenosine synthesis to attenuate vecuronium-induced tetanic fade indicates that this endogenous adenosine is derived from ATP. Hexamethonium-induced tetanic fade was also potentiated by increasing adenosine A1 receptor activation, albeit with a higher concentration of CHA (10(-4) M). However, unlike for vecuronium, hexamethonium-induced tetanic fade was not attenuated by reducing adenosine A receptor activation. This latter observation suggests that the tetanic fade produced by hexamethonium and vecuronium does not share a common mechanism of action.

Adenosine uptake and deamination regulate tonic A2a receptor facilitation of evoked [3H]acetylcholine release from the rat motor nerve terminals

The actions of adenosine, adenosine deaminase, the adenosine uptake blocker, S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine, and of the adenosine deaminase inhibitor, erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine, on electrically evoked [3H]acetylcholine release were investigated in rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations. Adenosine deaminase (0.25-2.5 U/ml) increased [3H]acetylcholine release. S-(p-Nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (3-30 microM) and erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (25 nM-50 microM) caused biphasic effects on [3H]acetylcholine release: at low concentrations S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thiomosine (5 microM) and erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adeNine (50 nM) decreased [3H]acetylcholine release, and at concentrations higher than 10 microM S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine and 0.5 microM for erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine facilitated [3H]acetylcholine release. Both S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine-induced inhibition and facilitation of [3H]acetylcholine release resulted from extracellular endogenous adenosine accumulation, because they were blocked after inactivation of endogenous adenosine with adenosine deaminase (0.5 U/ml). The inhibitory actions of both S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (5 microM) and erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (50 nM) were antagonized by the A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (2.5 nM), whereas the blockade of A2a adenosine receptors with PD 115,199 (25 nM) prevented the facilitatory effects of S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (30 microM) and erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (50 microM). The adenosine deaminase inhibitor, erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (25 nM), potentiated the effect of S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (3-30 microM), and this adenosine uptake blocker, when applied at a concentration (3 microM) that by itself was devoid of effect, potentiated both the inhibitory (25 nM) and excitatory (0.5 microM) effects of erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine, on evoked [3H]acetylcholine release. Exogenously applied adenosine (10-500 microM) had biphasic effects similar to those of S-(p-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine and erythro-9(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine. Adenosine (30 microM) reduction of evoked [3H]acetylcholine release was prevented after pretreatment with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (2.5 nM); when applied at high concentrations (100-500 microM), adenosine consistently increased evoked [3H]acetylcholine release in a PD 115,199 (25 nM)-sensitive manner. It is concluded that both uptake and deamination are effective in removing extracellular endogenous adenosine that tonically activates both inhibitory (A1) and excitatory (A2a) adenosine receptors, regulating the A1/A2a adenosine receptors' activation balance.

Multiple intracellular signal transduction pathways mediating inward current produced by the neuropeptide, achatin-I

The effects of intracellular signal transduction system inhibitors on the inward current (Iin) caused by achatin-I (Gly-D-Phe-Ala-Asp), an Achatina endogenous tetrapeptide having a D-phenylalanine residue, applied locally onto the neurone tested, were examined under voltage clamp using two identifiable Achatina giant neurone types, v-RCDN (ventral-right cerebral distinct neurone) and PON (periodically oscillating neurone). H-89 (N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)-ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide) (adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase inhibitor) markedly suppressed the achatin-I-induced Iin on PON, whereas this drug was ineffective on the Iin of v-RCDN. Dose (pressure duration)-response study of achatin-I on PON in a physiological solution and in the presence of H-89, and Lineweaver-Burk plot of these data, indicated that H-89 inhibited the Iin in a noncompetitive manner. KT5823 (N-methyl-(8R*,9S*,11S*)-(-)-9-methoxy-9-methoxycarbonyl-8-methyl-2,3,9, 10-tetrahydro-8,11-epoxy-1H,8H,11H-2, 7b,11a-triazadibenzo[a,g]cycloocta[c,d,e]-trinden-1-on e) (guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP)-dependent protein kinase inhibitor) suppressed the achatin-I-induced Iin of v-RCDN in mainly noncompetitive and partly uncompetitive manners, but this drug had no effect on the Iin of PON. W-7 (N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene-sulfonamide) (calmodulin inhibitor) suppressed noncompetitively the Iin of PON, but this drug had no effect on the Iin of v-RCDN. IBMX (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) (cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor) enhanced the achatin-I-induced Iin of v-RCDN, but this drug was ineffective on the Iin of PON. However, IBMX might have effects on the achatin-I receptor sites on v-RCDN. These findings suggest multiple intracellular signal transduction pathways mediating the achatin-I-induced Iin: the Iin of PON is via cyclic AMP-dependent and probably Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, and that of v-RCDN via cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. Other signal transduction system inhibitors including calphostin C (2-[12-[2-(benzyloxy)-propyl]-3, 10-dihydro-4,9-dihydroxy-2,6,7,11-tetramethoxy-3,10-dioxo-1-per yleny]-1 -methylethyl carbonic acid 4-hydroxyphenyl ester) (protein kinase C inhibitor) did not significantly affect the Iin of both v-RCDN and PON.

The role of the A(2A) adenosine receptor subtype in functional hyperaemia in the hindlimb of anaesthetized cats

1. The present study was designed to investigate the contribution of the A(2A) adenosine receptor subtype in the functional hyperaemia response during muscle contraction. 2. In cats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone and breathing spontaneously following tracheotomy, the left sciatic and femoral nerves were electrically stimulated at 3 Hz for 20 min to induce muscle contraction, and hindlimb blood flow was measured with a flow probe. The contribution of the A(2A) adenosine receptor subtype was assessed using ZM 241385, a potent and selective A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonist. 3. In a control group, the muscle isometric tension measured in the extensor digitorum longus-tibialis anterior muscle group was 6.64 +/- 0.66 kg (100 g muscle mass)(-1) and hindlimb vascular conductance was 0.22 +/- 0.03 ml mmHg(-1)(kg body mass)(-1) at 20 min of contraction. Administration of vehicle did not affect these parameters upon a second contraction period: 6.31 +/- 0.61 kg (100 g muscle mass)(-1) and 0.23 +/- 0.03 ml mmHg(-1) (kg body mass)(-1), respectively. Total hindlimb conductance during contraction was unaffected (5.5 +/- 3.7% decrease). 4. ZM 241385 (1.0 mg kg(-1)) did not alter the amount of force produced by the muscle at 20 min of contraction. Hindlimb conductance response was reduced by 27.1 +/- 4.8% following the A(2A) selective adenosine receptor antagonist, similar to that observed with the non-selective antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline. 5. These results show that adenosine acting at the A(2A) subtype receptor can contribute up to 30% of the functional hyperaemia response in the hindlimb of anaesthetized cats.

Purinergic regulation of acetylcholine release

At the neuromuscular junction and possibly also at the synaptic level in the brain, the main sequence of events (see Fig. 5) that involves purines in modulation of ACh release includes the following observations: (1) storage of ATP and its release either together with, or independently of acetylcholine. ATP is also released from the post-junctional component. Adenosine as such is released either from the motor nerve terminals or from the post-junctional component. (2) There is extracellular hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine, which is the active substance to modulate transmitter release. The key enzyme in the conversion of AMP into adenosine is the ecto 5'-nucleotidase. When ecto-5'-nucleotidase is not available (e.g. in cholinergic nerve terminals of the cerebral cortex) ATP as such exerts the neuromodulatory role normally fulfilled by adenosine. (3) Both the inhibition and the excitation induced by adenosine on ACh release in the rat is inactivated through up-take and deamination. (4) Adenosine-induced inhibition of ACh release is mediated via A1 receptors and the excitation via A2a receptors. The A2a receptors are positively coupled to the adenylate cyclase/cyclic AMP system, whereas the presynaptic A1 receptors (a) may be negatively linked to adenylate cyclase and (b) to phospholipase C, and, upon stimulation, (c) increase potassium conductance and (d) decrease calcium conductance. (5) Activation of A2a receptors is essential for substances that facilitate ACh release (e.g. CGRP, forskolin) to exert their effects, as well as for induction of nicotinic autofacilitatory receptor desensitization. (6) There are interactions between A1 and A2a receptors. Thus, the net adenosine neuromodulatory response is the resultant, at each moment, of the relative degree of activation of each one of these receptors. This relative activation depends upon the intensity (frequency, pulse duration) of stimulation of the motor nerve terminals. (7) Adenosine released as such seems to preferentially activate A1 receptors, whereas the adenosine formed from metabolism of adenine nucleotides prefers to activate the A2a receptors. In conclusion, to find out precisely what occurs with ACh in transmitting its message at the synaptic level, one has to consider the subtle ways used by purines to modulate the ACh response. It therefore appears of interest that pharmacological and therapeutic strategies use this knowledge to approach cholinergic transmission deficiencies based upon reduction of ACh release.

Ability of some K+ channel blockers to reverse inhibition of electrically evoked contractions of longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus

Blockers selective for different potassium (K+) channels were examined for their ability to reverse inhibition of electrically evoked contractions of longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus (lm-mp) by adenosine analogs. Cyclohexyl adenosine (CHA) was selected for these studies, since it effectively inhibited contraction (EC50 33 nM). 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) antagonized the inhibition by the adenosine analog, but also stimulated contraction by itself. alpha- and gamma-dendrotoxin produced the most profound reversal of CHA-induced inhibition, while producing a minimal contraction alone. Other blockers produced only nominal reversal of the CHA-induced inhibition. These results suggest that inhibition by CHA is mediated via activation of an alpha- and gamma-dendrotoxin-sensitive K+ channel.

Adenosine and adenine nucleotides are independently released from both the nerve terminals and the muscle fibres upon electrical stimulation of the innervated skeletal muscle of the frog

The independent release of adenosine and adenine nucleotides upon electrical stimulation was studied in the innervated sartorius muscle of the frog after blockade of the extracellular catabolism of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) through exo-AMP deaminase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase. Nerve stimulation (30 min, 0.2Hz) induced the release of both adenosine (19 +/- 3 pmol) and adenine nucleotides (101 +/- 7 pmol). Experiments performed in the presence of tubocurarine (5 microM) to prevent purine release due to nerve-evoked muscle twitching, or under direct stimulation of the muscle in low calcium solutions to prevent pre-synaptic release of purines, showed that there was an evoked release of adenosine and adenine nucleotides both from the nerve endings and from the twitching muscle fibres. Removal of ecto-5'-nucleotidase inhibition shows that the catabolism of adenine nucleotides released during stimulation contributes in about 50% to the amount of endogenous extracellular adenosine. When only one of the enzymes catabolizing AMP (ecto-5'-nucleotidase or exo-AMP deaminase) was inhibited, the evoked release of adenine nucleotides was undetectable, suggesting that each enzyme is able to catabolize all the AMP formed from adenine nucleotides released upon stimulation. It is concluded that the concentration of endogenous extracellular adenosine is under the control of the relative activities of exo-AMP deaminase and ecto-5'-nucleotidase.

On the site of action and inactivation of adenosine by the rat superior cervical ganglion

1. Using an extracellular recording technique, we have investigated the site of action of adenosine and muscarine on the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG). The adenosine-induced hyperpolarization and muscarine-induced depolarization of ganglia were localized to the cell bodies of the ganglia. Responses to muscarine and adenosine were larger when recorded via the internal carotid nerve (ICN) compared with the external carotid nerve. Depression of the response to muscarine by adenosine was similar for both nerve trunks. 2. The effects of adenosine and cyclic nucleotides on the d.c. potential and the depolarization to muscarine were examined by recording via the ICN. Adenosine at concentrations up to 1 mM produced concentration-dependent hyperpolarizations. Hyperpolarization induced by 100 microM adenosine was unaffected by 1 microM tetrodotoxin or the muscarinic M1-receptor antagonist pirenzepine (0.3 microM). In contrast, hyperpolarizations to 100 microM adenosine were significantly reduced by 10 microM 8-phenytheophylline (55 +/- 7 microV vs 15 +/- 9 microV, P < 0.01, n = 4). Two agents known to increase intracellular cAMP, i.e. 8-bromo-cyclic-adenosine-3'-5' monophosphate (8BrcAMP) and isoprenaline, depolarized ganglia. Depolarizations to 100 nM mucarine were significantly depressed by adenosine (100 microM) by 26 +/- 2% (n = 61), but unaltered by 8BrcAMP or cyclic guanosine-3'-5' monophosphate. 3. Dipyridamole and hydroxy-nitro-benzylthioguanosine (inhibitors of adenosine transport) and erythro-6-amino-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA, an inhibitor of adenosine deaminase), potentiated the depression by adenosine of the response to muscarine, and the hyperpolarization to adenosine respectively. However, there was no evidence to support the hypothesis that there was spontaneous release of endogenous adenosine under the conditions of study, as dipyridamole or EHNA did not alter the control d.c. potential or the depolarization to muscarine. 4. It is concluded that the ability of adenosine to hyperpolarize and depress the response of the rat SCG to muscarine is due to the direct activation of postsynaptic somatodendritic P1-purinoceptors and unlikely to be mediated by an increase in intracellular cAMP. In addition the rat SCG has mechanisms for both the uptake and inactivation of adenosine.

Facilitation of [3H]-ACh release by forskolin depends on A2-adenosine receptor activation

The effect of forskolin (FSK) on [3H]-acetylcholine release ([3H]-ACh) from the phrenic motor nerve terminals, and its modification by adenosine deaminase (ADA), by the A2-adenosine receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (CGS 21680C), by the A1-adenosine receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyl adenosine (R-PIA), by the A2-antagonist N-(2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl)-N-methyl-4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3 -dipropyl-1H-purine-8-yl)-benzene sulphonamide (PD 115,199), and by the A1-antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) were studied on the rat phrenic-hemidiaphragm preparation. It is concluded that the excitatory effect of FSK on evoked [3H]-ACh release depends on tonic A2-adenosine receptor activation.

Characterization of adenosine receptors in brush-border membranes from pig kidney

1. The adenosine receptors from pig kidney proximal tubules have been studied in membrane vesicle preparations derived from either luminal (brush-border membranes-BBM-) or basolateral (BL) sides. There was a substantial amount of A2-like NECA binding in both preparations, but the A1 subtype of adenosine receptors was not found in either BBM or BL membranes. The use of [3H]-CGS21680 which is a more specific ligand for A2a receptors revealed true adenosine receptors in the BBM. 2. The kinetic parameters for [3H]-CGS21680 binding to pig renal BBM were: Bmax = 1.48 pmol mg-1 protein and Kd = 150 nM. In the presence of Gpp(NH)p the affinity decreased (Kd = 220 nM), whereas the addition of Mg2+ induced a marked increase in affinity (Kd = 83 nM). These equilibrium constants are higher than those found for the A2a adenosine receptors present in pig brain striatal membranes (Kd = 12 nM), and are close to those found in rat renal BBM (Kd = 90 nM). 3. The order of potency of agonist and antagonists was not consistent with the presence of either A1 or A2 receptors, but it was very similar to the agonist order of potency for the A3 receptor subtype. Furthermore, the blockade of the [3H]-CGS21680 binding by both cholera and pertussis toxin further supports the view that the subtypes present in BBM are neither A1 nor A2. 4. Overall the results suggest the presence in BBM of an A3 receptor, or of a new subtype of adenosine receptor, which is linked to G proteins sensitive to both cholera and pertussis toxins.

Activation of P1- and P2Y-purinoceptors by ADP-ribose in the guinea-pig taenia coli, but not of P2X-purinoceptors in the vas deferens

1. The activity of adenosine 5'-diphosphoribose (ADP-ribose), a ribosylated purine nucleotide, was investigated on the carbachol-contracted taenia coli, a tissue possessing P1- (A2) and P2Y-purinoceptors and on the guinea-pig vas deferens which possesses P2X-purinoceptors. 2. In the vas deferens, where ATP (1 microM-1 mM) produced concentration-dependent contractions, ADP-ribose was without effect at concentrations up to 1 mM. 3. In the taenia coli, ADP-ribose (0.1 microM-1 mM) produced concentration-dependent relaxations with a potency similar to that of adenosine, but less than that of ATP. The pD2 values for ADP-ribose, adenosine and ATP were 4.5 +/- 0.07 (27), 4.4 +/- 0.10 (9) and 5.5 +/- 0.14 (21), respectively. The time-course of the relaxations elicited by ADP-ribose was found to be significantly longer than that for ATP and significantly shorter than that for adenosine. 4. The P1-purinoceptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline (5 microM), produced parallel rightward shifts in the concentration-response curves of the relaxations of the taenia coli elicited by ADP-ribose and adenosine but not ATP. 5. Dipyridamole (0.3 microM), a purine nucleoside uptake inhibitor, potentiated the responses to adenosine and ADP-ribose in the taenia coli. These potentiations were sensitive to 8-phenyltheophylline (5 microM). 6. Reactive blue 2, a P2Y-purinoceptor antagonist, antagonized the inhibitory responses of ADP-ribose and ATP in the taenia coli, without significantly altering the inhibitory responses of either adenosine or noradrenaline.7. In the presence of the potassium channel blocker, apamin (0.3 microM), the inhibitory responses of ADP-ribose were severely attenuated, and the inhibitory responses of ATP in the taenia coli were converted to transient contractions. Further addition of 8-PT blocked the residual responses of ADPribose.8. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (500 microM), antagonized responses to ATP and ADP-ribose,but not adenosine. Further addition of 8-PT antagonized the residual responses to ADP-ribose, but not to ATP.9. It is concluded that ADP-ribose has a mixed pharmacological profile, evoking both PI (A2)-purinoceptor-mediated responses and P2Y-purinoceptor-mediated responses, while being inert at P2Xpurinoceptors.It is suggested that ADP-ribose may provide a useful starting point for the generation of structural analogues which have specific activity at the P2Y-purinoceptor.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase is associated with cholinergic nerve terminals in the hippocampus but not in the cerebral cortex of the rat

The extracellular catabolism of exogenously added AMP was studied in immunopurified cholinergic nerve terminals and in slices of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of the rat. AMP (10 microM) was catabolized into adenosine and inosine in hippocampal cholinergic nerve terminals and in hippocampal slices, as well as in cortical slices. IMP formation from extracellular AMP was not detected. alpha, beta-Methylene ADP (100 microM) inhibited almost completely the extracellular catabolism of AMP in these preparations. The relative rate of catabolism of AMP was greater in hippocampal slices than in cortical slices. AMP was virtually not catabolized when added to immunopurified cortical cholinergic nerve terminals, although ATP could be catabolized extracellularly under identical conditions. The comparison of the relative rates of catabolism of exogenously added AMP, calculated from the amount of AMP catabolized after 5 min, in hippocampal cholinergic nerve terminals and in hippocampal slices revealed a nearly 50-fold enrichment in the specific activity of ecto-5'-nucleotidase upon immunopurification of the cholinergic nerve terminals from the hippocampus. The results suggest that there is a regional variation in the subcellular distribution of ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity in the rat brain, the ecto-5'-nucleotidase in the hippocampus being closely associated with the cholinergic nerve terminals, whereas in the cerebral cortex ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity seems to be located preferentially outside the cholinergic nerve terminals.

Presynaptic A1-purinoceptor-mediated inhibitory effects of adenosine and its stable analogues on the mouse hemidiaphragm preparation

1. The effect of adenosine or its stable analogues (2-chloroadenosine, CADO; 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, NECA; and N6-cyclopentyladenosine, CPA) on the release of [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]-ACh), and on the development of force of contraction evoked by electrical stimulation of the nerve, were studied in the mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation. Evidence was obtained that the release of ACh is subject to presynaptic modulation through presynaptic A1(P1)-purinoceptors. 2. Adenosine or its stable analogues (CADO, NECA, CPA) inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, both the release of ACh and the force of the indirectly elicited contraction of hemidiaphragm preparation, provided in the latter case that the margin of safety was reduced by (+)-tubocurarine or magnesium. The order of potency in reducing ACh release was CPA greater than NECA greater than CADO greater than adenosine with IC50 values of 0.08 +/- 0.01, 0.74 +/- 0.05, 9.05 +/- 0.20, and 410.2 +/- 42.5 mumol/l, respectively. The order of potency in reducing twitch tension was CPA greater than NECA greater than CADO greater than adenosine with IC50 values of 0.11 +/- 0.02, 0.48 +/- 0.03, 2.07 +/- 0.49, and 240.4 +/- 20.0 mumol/l, respectively. 3. 8-Phenyltheophylline (8-PT) antagonized the inhibitory effects of the adenosine receptor agonists on ACh release and twitch tension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Suramin reverses non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade in rat diaphragm

Unexpectedly, it was observed that the P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (10 microM to 1 mM), reversed the muscle paralysis caused by structurally unrelated non-depolarizing relaxants. Suramin competitively reversed the blocking action of pancuronium. Both the pre- and postsynaptic blockade of nicotinic receptors by pancuronium was counteracted, as shown by the action of suramin, using train-of-four stimulation. Suramin did not affect the paralysis caused by the depolarizing relaxant, succinylcholine. The reversal action of suramin was not due to an increase in the acetylcholine concentration in the synaptic cleft, since neither the contraction of preparations partially paralysed by diminished acetylcholine release in the presence of low Ca2+ or high Mg2+ nor acetylcholinesterase activity were affected. Suramin did not affect the reduction in twitch tension caused by adenosine and potentiated the ATP-induced reduction in twitch, indicating that ATP-sensitive receptors are not involved in the reversal action of suramin. Consequently, these results suggest that the action of suramin is due to binding with a site on the acetylcholine receptor also occupied by non-depolarizing relaxants, but different from the site occupied by succinylcholine.

Inhibitory and excitatory effects of adenosine receptor agonists on evoked transmitter release from phrenic nerve ending of the rat

1. The effects of the adenosine analogues, 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide adenosine (NECA), R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), 2-chloroadenosine (CADO), and CGS 21680C on electrically evoked tritium outflow from preparations loaded with [3H]-choline and on evoked endplate potentials (e.p.ps), as well as the ability of the xanthines, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) and PD 115,199 to antagonize the effects of the adenosine analogues, were investigated in phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations. 2. NECA, R-PIA and CADO decreased, in a concentration-dependent manner, the evoked tritium outflow from preparations loaded with [3H]-choline. NECA and R-PIA were about equipotent and more potent than CADO. 3. DPCPX shifted to the right in a near parallel fashion the concentration-response curve for the inhibitory effect of R-PIA on evoked tritium outflow. 4. In the presence of DPCPX, NECA increased, rather than decreased, evoked tritium outflow. PD 115,119 antagonized, in a concentration-dependent manner, this excitatory effect of NECA. 5. CGS 21680C, in low nanomolar concentrations, increased evoked tritium outflow, an effect also antagonized by PD 115,119. 6. CGS 21680C increased, and R-PIA decreased, the amplitude of e.p.ps recorded from preparations paralysed with tubocurarine. Both effects could be observed in the same endplate. 7. It is concluded that both inhibitory (probably A1) and excitatory (probably A2) adenosine receptors coexist at the rat neuromuscular junction, modulating the evoked release of acetylcholine.

Extracellular metabolism of adenine nucleotides and adenosine in the innervated skeletal muscle of the frog

The effects of coformycin, alpha,beta-methylene ADP, dipyridamole in the absence and presence of erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA), nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI), mioflazine and ouabain on the metabolic pathways of exogenously applied ATP and its metabolites in the frog innervated sartorius muscle were investigated. ATP catabolism yielded ADP, AMP, IMP, adenosine and inosine; the ecto-ATPase in situ was shown to be Ca(2+)- or Mg(2+)-activated with a Kmapp for ATP of 767 +/- 48 microM. AMP catabolism yielded IMP, adenosine and inosine; inosine was formed from either exogenous IMP or exogenous adenosine. Catabolism of AMP into IMP was blocked by coformycin, which enhanced adenosine and inosine formation from AMP. alpha,beta-Methylene ADP blocked adenosine formation from AMP and inosine formation from IMP; formation of IMP from AMP was enhanced by alpha,beta-methylene ADP. Complete blockade of AMP degradation was achieved with the simultaneous use of coformycin and alpha,beta-methylene ADP. Dipyridamole attenuated but did not completely block extracellular adenosine removal and inosine appearance in the bath. EHNA, applied in the presence of dipyridamole, did not cause any further attenuation of extracellular adenosine removal. Mioflazine, NBTI and ouabain did not affect adenosine disappearance from the bath. The results suggest that, in the frog innervated sartorius muscle, ATP can be sequentially catabolized into AMP which is then catabolized either into IMP or into adenosine. This extracellular degradation of AMP into IMP might then constitute a shunt-like mechanism to control the levels of adenosine formed from adenine nucleotides.

Differential sensitivities of avian and mammalian neuromuscular junctions to inhibition of cholinergic transmission by omega-conotoxin GVIA

Nerve stimulation-induced contractions of the chick biventer cervicis muscle were slowly reduced by omega-conotoxin. However, omega-conotoxin had no effect on skeletal muscle function after i.v. injection in mice or on nerve stimulation-induced contractions of focally innervated muscle of the rat diaphragm or the rabbit proximal oesophagus, or the multiply innervated extra-ocular rectus muscle from rabbit. The lack of effect of omega-conotoxin on mammalian neuromuscular junctions was not due to the high safety factor in transmission or to a high local concentration of Ca2+ originating from the muscle, and could not be accounted for in terms of the operation of facilitatory or inhibitory feedback modulation of transmitter release from motoneurone terminals. It is concluded that the Ca2+ channels of mammalian motoneurone terminals differ from those of avian motoneurone terminals and other omega-conotoxin-sensitive nerve terminals.

The inhibitory adenosine receptor at the neuromuscular junction and hippocampus of the rat: antagonism by 1,3,8-substituted xanthines

1. The ability of 1,3,8-substituted xanthines to antagonize the inhibitory effects of adenosine receptor agonist on the amplitude of nerve-evoked twitches of the rat phrenic-diaphragm and on the amplitude of orthodromically-evoked population spikes, recorded from the CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampal slices, was investigated. 2. 1,3-Dipropyl-8-cyclopenthylxanthine (DPCPX), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(carboxymethyloxyphenyl)xanthine (XCC), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(4-[2-aminoethyl)amino)carbonylmethyloxyphenyl)x ant hine (XAC), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl)xanthine (PACPX), 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT), 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX) and PD 115,199, in concentrations virtually devoid of effect on neuromuscular transmission, shifted to the right in a near parallel manner the log concentration-response curve for the inhibitory effect of 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) on nerve-evoked twitches of the phrenic-diaphragm. Linear Schild plots with slopes near to unity were obtained for all the xanthines. 3. The order of potency of the xanthines as antagonists of the effect of CADO in the phrenic-diaphragm was DPCPX (Ki = 0.54 nM) greater than XCC (Ki = 10 nM), XAC (Ki = 11 nM), PACPX (Ki = 13 nM) greater than DPX (Ki = 22 nM), 8-PT (Ki = 25 nM) greater than PD 115,199 (Ki = 57 nM). The potency of DPCPX in antagonizing the inhibitory effects of R-N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA) on nerve-evoked twitch response was not statistically different from its potency in antagonizing the inhibitory effect on CADO. 4. In the hippocampal slices, DPCPX, XCC and XAC, used in concentrations virtually devoid of effect on population spike amplitude, shifted to the right in a near parallel manner the log concentrationresponse curve for the inhibitory effect of CADO on the amplitude of the population spikes. The Schild plots were linear with slopes near unity. 5. The potencies of DPCPX (K, = 0.45 nM) and XAC (K, = 11 nM) in antagonizing the inhibitory adenosine receptor at the hippocampus were similar to their potencies for antagonism of the inhibitory adenosine receptor at the phrenic-diaphragm. XCC was only slightly more potent (K, = 5.4 nM) as an antagonist of the adenosine receptor in the hippocampus than in the phrenic-diaphragm. 6. The results suggest that the inhibitory adenosine receptors in the phrenic-diaphragm and in the hippocampus of the rat are similar, and that according to the antagonist potencies, these receptors belong to the A1-adenosine receptor subtype.

The role of adenosine in exercise hyperaemia of the gracilis muscle in anaesthetized cats

1. A number of metabolites have been proposed to control the vascular tone of skeletal muscle during exercise. The present study was designed to investigate the role of adenosine in this response by determining the effect of the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline. 2. The gracilis muscle of anaesthetized cats was exposed and made to contract by stimulating the obturator nerve (at 1 Hz, 5 V, 0.1 ms) for 20 min. Gracilis muscle blood flow and tension were measured during exercise and for 20 min following exercise. Initially this was performed in each animal during the infusion of a vehicle solution (50% polyethylene glycol 400, 50% 0.1 M-NaOH, 0.1 ml min-1 I.V.). Exercise was then repeated during infusion of either further vehicle (group I), 8-phenyltheophylline (group II) or 3-propylxanthine (group III), both at 2.7 x 10(7) mol min-1 kg-1. 3. In group 1 (n = 4) gracilis muscle blood flow during the first exercise period increased by 47.5 +/- 11.3 ml min-1 (110 g)-1 and gracilis muscle tension by 8.6 +/- 1.3 kg (100 g muscle mass)-1 at 20 min of exercise. These responses were not significantly different when repeated. 4. In group II (n = 5), blood flow increased by 46.9 +/- 9.9 ml min-1 (100 g)-1 and tension by 6.5 +/- 0.7 kg (100 g muscle mass)-1 during vehicle infusion. Infusion of 8-phenyltheophylline at a rate which abolished the vasodilatation response to 2-chloroadenosine, significantly reduced the muscle blood flow increase to 19.8 +/- 2.7 ml min-1 (100 g muscle mass)-1 (P less than 0.05) but the tension response was unaffected (increased by 7.0 +/- 0.8 kg (100 g muscle mass)-1). 8-Phenyltheophylline did not affect gracilis muscle blood flow or tension at rest. 5. Administration of 3-propylxanthine, which did not modify the vasodilatation response to 2-chloroadenosine, failed to alter the vascular responses to muscle contraction. 6. These results suggest that activation of adenosine receptors can contribute to up to 40% of the vasodilatation observed during isometric twitch contraction of the gracilis muscle of cats.

Interactions between adenosine and phorbol esters or lithium at the frog neuromuscular junction

1. Interactions between the effects of adenosine or 2-chloro-adenosine (CADO) and the effects of substances that interfere with the phosphoinositides/protein kinase C transducing system or with the adenylate cyclase transducing system, on endplate potentials (e.p.ps), were investigated. The preparation used was the innervated sartorius muscle of the frog in which twitches had been prevented with high magnesium concentrations. 2. The activator of protein kinase C, 4 beta-phorbol-12,13-diacetate (PDAc), reversibly increased the amplitude and the quantal content of e.p.ps and attenuated the inhibitory effects of adenosine and CADO on e.p.p. amplitude. The affinity of the adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline, was not modified by PDAc. 3. The phorbol ester 4 alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, which does not activate protein kinase C, did not modify either e.p.p amplitude or the inhibitory effect of adenosine on e.p.ps. 4. The inhibitor of protein kinase C, polymyxin B, reversibly decreased the amplitude and the quantal content of e.p.ps, prevented the enhancement caused by PDAc on e.p.p. amplitude, but did not modify the inhibitory effect of adenosine on e.p.ps. H-7, another inhibitor of protein kinases, also decreased e.p.p. amplitude but did not modify the effect of PDAc on the amplitude of e.p.ps. 5. Lithium chloride, which alters phosphoinositide signal transduction by inhibiting the breakdown of inositol phosphates, reversibly increased the amplitude and the quantal content of the e.p.ps. In the presence of adenosine or CADO the effect of lithium on e.p.p. amplitude was markedly attenuated. 6. The activator of adenylate cyclase, forskolin, reversibly increased the amplitude and the quantal content of the e.p.ps. 7. The results suggest that the phosphoinositides/protein kinase C transducing system, but not the adenylate cyclase transducing system, might be involved in the inhibitory effect of adenosine on neuromuscular transmission.

Adenosine deaminase and adenosine uptake inhibitions facilitate ventilation in rats

The effects of intracarotid (i.c.) infusions of the adenosine deaminase inhibitor, erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) and of the adenosine uptake blocker, dipyridamole on spontaneous ventilation were studied in rats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Both EHNA and dipyridamole mimicked the excitatory effect of adenosine on respiration increasing in a dose-dependent manner respiratory ventilation determined as increases in tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (f) and minute volume (VE). These excitatory effects were abolished after section of the carotid sinus nerves. The excitatory effect of EHNA on respiration was prevented by adenosine deaminase and antagonized by 1,3-dipropyl-8(p-sulfophenyl)xanthine (DPSPX). DPSPX also antagonized the excitatory effect of dipyridamole on respiration. Both EHNA and dipyridamole in doses virtually devoid of effect on respiration potentiated the excitatory effect of exogenous adenosine on respiration. Two different effects on respiration were observed during i.c. infusions of cumulative doses of DPSPX: one inhibitory, not present in glomectomized animals and another, excitatory, present in both glomectomized and non-glomectomized animals. It is concluded that endogenous adenosine could be involved in respiration mediated through carotid body chemoreceptors and that the nucleoside is inactivated at this level by deamination and uptake.

1,3,8- and 1,3,7-substituted xanthines: relative potency as adenosine receptor antagonists at the frog neuromuscular junction

1. The ability of 1,3,8-substituted xanthines (1,3-dipropyl-8-(4-(2-aminoethyl)amino)carbonylmethyloxyphenyl) xan thine (XAC), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(4-carboxymethyloxyphenyl)xanthine (XCC), 1,3-dipropyl-8-(2-amino-4-chlorophenyl)xanthine (PACPX), 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX) and 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT)), of 1,3,7-substituted xanthines (1-propargyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine (PGDMX) and caffeine), and of a 3-substituted xanthine (enprofylline) to antagonize the inhibitory effect of 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) on the amplitude of nerve-evoked twitches was investigated in innervated sartorius muscles of the frog. 2. All the 1,3,8-substituted xanthines, in concentrations virtually devoid of effect on neuromuscular transmission, shifted to the right, in a near parallel manner the log concentration-response curve for CADO. Linear Schild plots with slopes near to unity at concentration-ratios less than 14 were obtained for XAC, XCC, DPCPX, DPX and 8-PT. 3. The order of potency of the 1,3,8-substituted xanthines as antagonists of the effect of CADO was XAC (Ki = 23 nM) greater than or equal to DPCPX (35 nM) greater than 8-PT (200 nM) greater than or equal to DPX (295 nM) greater than XCC (1905 nM) greater than or equal to PACPX (2291 nM). No correlation was found between the potency of these xanthines as antagonists of the adenosine receptor at the frog neuromuscular junction and their reported potency as antagonists of the A1- or A2-adenosine receptors. 4. The 1,3,7-substituted xanthines, PGDMX and caffeine, in concentrations virtually devoid of effect on neuromuscular transmission, also caused parallel shifts to the right of the log concentration-response curves for CADO, but were less potent than the 1,3,8-substituted xanthines. PGDMX was more than 20 times more potent than caffeine. 5. Enprofylline in concentrations up to 100 microM did not antagonize the inhibitory effect of CADO on neuromuscular transmission. 6. It is concluded that the antagonist profile of the adenosine receptor mediating inhibition of transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction is different from the antagonist profile of the A1- and A2-adenosine receptors.