adenosine-5--(n-ethylcarboxamide) and 8-(4-((2-aminoethyl)aminocarbonylmethyloxy)phenyl)-1-3-dipropylxanthine

A growing awareness indicates that many G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exist as homodimers, but the extent of the cooperativity across the dimer interface has been largely unexplored. Here, measurement of the dissociation kinetics of a fluorescent agonist (ABA-X-BY630) from the human A(1) or A(3) adenosine receptors expressed in CHO-K1 cells has provided evidence for highly cooperative interactions between protomers of the A(3)-receptor dimer in single living cells. In the absence of competitive ligands, the dissociation rate constants of ABA-X-BY630 from A(1) and A(3) receptors were 1.45 ± 0.05 and 0.57 ± 0.07 min(-1), respectively. At the A(3) receptor, this could be markedly increased by both orthosteric agonists and antagonists [15-, 9-, and 19-fold for xanthine amine congener (XAC), 5'-(N-ethyl carboxamido)adenosine (NECA), and adenosine, respectively] and reduced by coexpression of a nonbinding (N250A) A(3)-receptor mutant. The changes in ABA-X-BY630 dissociation were much lower at the A(1) receptor (1.5-, 1.4-, and 1.5-fold). Analysis of the pEC(50) values of XAC, NECA, and adenosine for the ABA-X-BY630-occupied A(3)-receptor dimer yielded values of 6.0 ± 0.1, 5.9 ± 0.1, and 5.2 ± 0.1, respectively. This study provides new insight into the spatial and temporal specificity of drug action that can be provided by allosteric modulation across a GPCR homodimeric interface.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Allosteric Regulation; Animals; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Kinetics; Protein Binding; Receptor, Adenosine A3; Xanthines

Allosteric binding sites on the adenosine receptor family represent potential therapeutic targets for a number of conditions involving metabolic stress. This study has identified Brilliant Black BN as a novel allosteric modulator of the adenosine A(1) and A(3) receptors. In addition to being a food dye and pharmaceutical excipient, Brilliant Black BN is commonly used within calcium mobilization assays to quench extracellular fluorescence. Brilliant Black BN (5-500 microM) had no significant effect on the calcium mobilization stimulated by the nonselective adenosine receptor agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with the human adenosine A(1) or A(3) receptor. Likewise, calcium mobilization and radioligand binding assays found that Brilliant Black BN (5-500 microM) did not significantly influence the antagonism mediated by 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (100 nM) at the A(1) receptor. In contrast, the affinity of N-[9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolin-5-yl]benzene acetamide (MRS1220) at the A(3) receptor and xanthine amine congener (XAC) and XAC-X-BY630 at the A(1) and A(3) receptors was significantly decreased in the presence of 500 muM Brilliant Black BN. A reduction in XAC potency at the A(1) and A(3) receptor was achieved within 1 min of Brilliant Black BN addition, despite receptors having been pre-equilibrated with antagonist. Dissociation kinetics of the fluorescent XAC derivative, XAC-X-BY630, revealed that the decrease in affinity is probably due to a significant increase in dissociation rate of the antagonist in the presence of Brilliant Black BN. Taken together, these results suggest that Brilliant Black BN can act allosterically to modify ligand affinity at A(1) and A(3) receptors.

Topics: Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonists; Adenosine A3 Receptor Antagonists; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Allosteric Regulation; Animals; Azo Compounds; Calcium; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Humans; Receptor, Adenosine A1; Receptor, Adenosine A3; Xanthines

The introduction of fluorescence-based techniques, and in particular the development of fluorescent ligands, has allowed the study of G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology at the single cell and single molecule level. This study evaluated how the physicochemical nature of the linker and the fluorophore affected the pharmacological properties of fluorescent agonists and antagonists.. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the human adenosine A(1) receptor and a cyclic 3',5' adenosine monophosphate response element-secreted placental alkaline phosphatase (CRE-SPAP) reporter gene, together with whole cell [(3)H]-8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) radioligand binding, were used to evaluate the pharmacological properties of a range of fluorescent ligands based on the antagonist xanthine amine congener (XAC) and the agonist 5' (N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA).. Derivatives of NECA and XAC with different fluorophores, but equivalent linker length, showed significant differences in their binding properties to the adenosine A(1) receptor. The BODIPY 630/650 derivatives had the highest affinity. Linker length also affected the pharmacological properties, depending on the fluorophore used. Particularly in fluorescent agonists, higher agonist potency could be achieved with large or small linkers for dansyl and BODIPY 630/650 derivatives, respectively.. The pharmacology of a fluorescent ligand was critically influenced by both the fluorophore and the associated linker. Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that the physicochemical properties of the fluorophore/linker pairing determine where in the environment of the target receptor the fluorophore is placed, and this, together with the environmental sensitivity of the resulting fluorescence, may finally decide its utility as a fluorescent probe.

Topics: Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Alkaline Phosphatase; Animals; Boron Compounds; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Cyclic AMP; Dansyl Compounds; Fluorescent Dyes; Genes, Reporter; GPI-Linked Proteins; Humans; Isoenzymes; Ligands; Microscopy, Confocal; Molecular Imaging; Molecular Probe Techniques; Molecular Structure; Radioligand Assay; Receptor, Adenosine A1; Response Elements; Transfection; Xanthines

Although it is well established that adenosine exerts antinociceptive effects at the spinal level in various species including human, the mechanisms responsible for such effects are still a matter of debate. We presently investigated whether adenosine-induced antinociception might possibly be related to an inhibitory influence of this neuromodulator on the spinal release of neuropeptides implicated in the transfer and/or control of nociceptive signals. For this purpose, the K(+)-evoked overflow of substance P-, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and cholecystokinin-like materials was measured from slices of the dorsal half of the rat lumbar enlargement superfused with an artificial cerebrospinal fluid supplemented with increasing concentrations of various adenosine receptor ligands. The data showed that stimulation of adenosine A(1) and (possibly) A(3) receptors, but not A(2A) receptors, exerted an inhibitory influence on the spinal release of CGRP-like material. In contrast, none of the adenosine A(1), A(2A) and A(3) receptor agonists tested within relevant ranges of concentrations significantly affected the release of substance P- and cholecystokinin-like materials. These results support the idea that adenosine-induced antinociception at the spinal level might possibly be caused, at least partly, by the stimulation of inhibitory adenosine A(1) receptors located presynaptically on primary afferent fibres containing CGRP but not substance P.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Cholecystokinin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Neuropeptides; Pain; Phenethylamines; Potassium; Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Spinal Cord; Substance P; Xanthines

Four adenosine receptor subtypes of the family of G protein-coupled receptors, designated A1, A2A, A2B and A3 are currently known. In this study all human subtypes were stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in order to be able to study their pharmacological profile in an identical cellular background utilizing radioligand binding studies (A1, A2A, A3) or adenylyl cyclase activity assays (A2B). The A1 subtype showed the typical pharmacological profile with 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) as the agonist with the highest affinity and a marked stereoselectivity for the N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) diastereomers. In competition with antagonist radioligand biphasic curves were observed for agonists. In the presence of GTP all receptors were converted to a single low affinity state indicating functional coupling to endogenous G proteins. For A2A adenosine receptors CGS 21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadeno sine) and N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) were found to be the most potent agonists followed by R- and S-PIA with minor stereoselectivity. The relative potencies of agonists for the A2B adenosine receptor could only be tested by measurement of receptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. NECA was the most potent agonist with an EC50-value of 2.3 microM whereas all other compounds tested were active at concentrations in the high micromolar range. Inhibition of NECA-stimulated adenylyl cyclase identified xanthine amino congener (XAC; 8-[4-[[[[(2-aminoethyl)amino]-carbonyl]methyl]oxy]phenyl]-1,3-dipropylxa nthine) as the most potent antagonist at this receptor subtype. The A3 receptor was characterized utilizing the nonselective agonist [3H]NECA. The N6-benzyl substituted derivatives of adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (MECA) turned out to be the most potent agonists. The notion of xanthine-insensitivity of the A3 receptor should be dropped at least for the human receptor as xanthines with submicromolar affinity were found. Overall, the pharmacological characteristics of the human receptors are similar to other species with some species-specific characteristics. In this study we present for the first time the comparative pharmacology of all known human adenosine receptor subtypes. The CHO cells with stably transfected adenosine receptors provide an identical cellular background for such a pharmacological characterization. These cells are valuable systems for further characterization of specifi

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Base Composition; Binding, Competitive; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Guanylate Cyclase; Humans; Phenethylamines; Phenylisopropyladenosine; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Stereoisomerism; Structure-Activity Relationship; Transfection; Xanthines

Structure-affinity relationships for ligand binding at the human A2A adenosine receptor have been probed using site-directed mutagenesis in the transmembrane helical domains (TMs). The mutant receptors were expressed in COS-7 cells and characterized by binding of the radioligands [3H]CGS21680, [3H]NECA, and [3H]XAC. Three residues, at positions essential for ligand binding in other G protein-coupled receptors, were individually mutated. The residue V(3.32) in the A2A receptor that is homologous to the essential aspartate residue of TM3 in the biogenic amine receptors, i.e., V84(3.32), may be substituted with L (present in the A3 receptor) but not with D (in biogenic amine receptors) or A. H250(6.52), homologous to the critical N507 of rat m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, may be substituted with other aromatic residues or with N but not with A (Kim et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1995, 270, 13987-13997). H278(7.43), homologous to the covalent ligand anchor site in rhodopsin, may not be substituted with either A, K, or N. Both V84L(3.32) and H250N(6.52) mutant receptors were highly variable in their effect on ligand competition depending on the structural class of the ligand. Adenosine-5'-uronamide derivatives were more potent at the H250N(6.52) mutant receptor than at wild type receptors. Xanthines tended to be close in potency (H250N(6.52)) or less potent (V84L(3.32)) than at wild type receptors. The affinity of CGS21680 increased as the pH was lowered to 5.5 in both the wild type and H250N(6.52) mutant receptors. Thus, protonation of H250(6.52) is not involved in this pH dependence. These data are consistent with a molecular model predicting the proximity of bound agonist ligands to TM3, TM5, TM6, and TM7.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Affinity Labels; Animals; COS Cells; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; GTP-Binding Proteins; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Iodobenzenes; Ligands; Models, Chemical; Models, Molecular; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Phenethylamines; Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; Rats; Receptor, Adenosine A2A; Receptors, Biogenic Amine; Receptors, Purinergic P1; Structure-Activity Relationship; Xanthines

Modulation of A2a adenosine receptor (A2aAR) expression by adenosine agonists was studied in cultured PC12 cell lines. Exposure of A2aAR agonists such as 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) or CGS-21680 caused a transient increase followed by a decrease of A2aAR mRNA in PC12 cells in 10 h. This was followed by a gradual recovery to control levels by approximately 24 h. These changes were blocked by an adenosine receptor antagonist, xanthine amine congener. Forskolin also induced similar changes in the level of A2aAR mRNA. In addition, A2aAR numbers of PC12 cell membranes were significantly decreased during the NECA-exposure. These results suggest that A2aAR gene expression in PC12 cells is regulated by activation of A2aAR via a mechanism involving the second messenger, cAMP.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; PC12 Cells; Phenethylamines; Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; Rats; Receptors, Purinergic P1; RNA, Messenger; Second Messenger Systems; Xanthines

The biliary epithelium contributes to bile formation through absorption and secretion of fluid and electrolytes. The effects of extracellular nucleotides on membrane ion transport were assessed in isolated bile duct cells from rats and Mz-ChA-1 cells from a human cholangiocarcinoma.. The rates of efflux of 125I and 86Rb were used to assess membrane Cl- and K+ permeabilities, respectively. Patch clamp recordings of whole cell currents were used to evaluate the properties of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-activated currents.. Purinergic receptor agonists ATP and uridine triphosphate stimulated 125I and 86Rb efflux about twofold above basal levels. The effects were reproduced by a nonhydrolyzable analogue of ATP (adenosine 5'-O-[3-thiophosphate]) and were unaffected by an adenosine receptor blocker xanthine amine congener. 125I efflux was also stimulated by adenosine and its receptor agonists 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine; these effects were inhibited by xanthine amine congener, suggesting a separate adenosine receptor. ATP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiophosphate), and uridine triphosphate each stimulated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, whereas adenosine had no effect. In whole cell recordings of Mz-ChA-1 cells, ATP activated an early transient outward current consistent with a K+ conductance and a later, sustained inward current consistent with a Cl- conductance.. Biliary cells possess at least two classes of nucleotide receptors that modulate membrane ion permeability through Ca(2+)-dependent and -independent pathways, and ATP may be involved in the regulation of biliary secretion.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Bile Duct Neoplasms; Bile Ducts; Calcium; Cell Membrane Permeability; Cells, Cultured; Chlorides; Cholangiocarcinoma; Humans; Iodine Radioisotopes; Ion Transport; Male; Potassium; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rubidium Radioisotopes; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Uridine Triphosphate; Xanthines

ATP stimulates phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II cells, an effect that is mediated by both adenosine A2 receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase and P2 receptors coupled to phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Activation of these effector enzymes leads to formation of cAMP, diacylglycerols and inositol trisphosphate (IP3). cAMP in turn activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase, diacylglycerols activate protein kinase C and IP3 promotes Ca2+ mobilization. To further investigate the signal-transduction mechanisms mediating the ATP effect, we examined its action in combination with that of other surfactant secretagogues: 5'(N-ethylcarboxyamido)adenosine (NECA), a A2 agonist that activates adenylate cyclase; TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate), a direct activator of protein kinase C; and ionomycin, an ionophore that increases intracellular Ca2+. The effects of NECA, TPA and ionomycin were additive and thus consistent with independent signaling mechanisms. However, the effects of all combinations of three or four secretagogues that contained ATP were 10-20% less than additive. This suggested that ATP and other secretagogues act via common mechanisms. Calmodulin antagonists decreased the effects of ionomycin and ATP by approx. 60% and 30%, respectively, but did not decrease the effects of NECA, terbutaline or TPA. Complete inhibition of the effect of ATP was achieved with a combination of a calmodulin antagonist, an A2 antagonist and a protein kinase C inhibitor. These and previous data suggest that the stimulatory effect of ATP on phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II cells is mediated by three signal-transduction mechanisms: activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase; activation of protein kinase C; and a calmodulin-dependent mechanism.

Topics: 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine; Adenosine; Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Cells, Cultured; Drug Interactions; Ionomycin; Isoquinolines; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lung; Male; Phosphatidylcholines; Piperazines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Signal Transduction; Sulfonamides; Terbutaline; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Xanthines

1. The effect of cibacron blue, a selective P2y-purinoceptor antagonist in some systems, on the stimulatory effect of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on [3H]-phosphatidylcholine secretion was examined in primary cultures of rat type II pneumocytes prelabelled by overnight culture with [3H]-choline. 2. Cibacron blue alone stimulated phosphatidylcholine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner in the range 10(-4)-10(-3) M. At a concentration of 10(-4) or lower, cibacron blue had no effect on ATP-induced phosphatidylcholine secretion but at 10(-4)-10(-3) M it increased the effect of ATP. Enhancement of the ATP effect was apparent whether cibacron blue was added before or together with ATP. Cibacron blue also increased ATP-induced secretion in the presence of the P1-purinoceptor antagonist, xanthine amine congener (10(-5) M). 3. The stimulatory effect of cibacron blue on phosphatidylcholine secretion was additive to those of 5' (N-ethylcarboxyamido) adenosine (NECA) and terbutaline but less than additive to that of ATP. 4. Cibacron blue alone had no effect on formation of cyclic AMP or inositol phosphate and when added simultaneously with ATP it did not affect the ATP-induced increase in these second messengers. Preincubation of the cells with cibacron blue before addition of ATP, however, resulted in antagonism of the ATP-induced increase in cyclic AMP and inositol phosphates. Preincubation with ATP had the same effect. The stimulatory effects of NECA and terbutaline on cyclic AMP formation were enhanced by preincubation with cibacron blue. 5. Thus, ATP-induced phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II cells is not diminished by the P2y-antagonist, cibacron blue.5. Thus, ATP-induced phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II cells is not diminished by the P2yantagonist, cibacron blue. On the contrary, cibacron blue stimulates phosphatidylcholine secretion. Cibacron blue may act as a P2-agonist in type II pneumocytes.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Cyclic AMP; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lung; Phosphatidylcholines; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Pulmonary Surfactants; Rats; Second Messenger Systems; Stimulation, Chemical; Suramin; Terbutaline; Triazines; Xanthines

The ligand recognition site of A2a-adenosine receptors in rabbit striatal membranes was probed using non-site-directed labeling reagents and specific affinity labels. Exposure of membranes to diethylpyrocarbonate at a concentration of 2.5 mM, followed by washing, was found to inhibit the binding of [3H]CGS 21680 and [3H]xanthine amine congener to A2a receptors, by 86 and 30%, respectively. Protection from diethylpyrocarbonate inactivation by an adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, and an antagonist, theophylline, suggested the presence of two histidyl residues on the receptor, one associated with agonist binding and the other with antagonist binding. Binding of [3H]CGS 21680 or [3H]xanthine amine congener was partially restored after incubation with 250 mM hydroxylamine, further supporting histidine as the modification site. Preincubation with disulfide-reactive reagents, dithiothreitol or sodium dithionite, at greater than 5 mM inhibited radioligand binding, indicating the presence of essential disulfide bridges in A2a receptors, whereas the concentration of mercaptoethanol required to inhibit binding was greater than 50 mM. A number of isothiocyanate-bearing affinity labels derived from the A2a-selective agonist 2-[(2-aminoethylamino) carbonylethylphenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (APEC) were synthesized and found to inhibit A2a receptor binding in rabbit and bovine striatal membranes. Binding to rabbit A1 receptors was not inhibited. Preincubation with the affinity label 4-isothiocyanatophenylaminothiocarbonyl-APEC (100 nM) diminished the Bmax for [3H]CGS 21680 binding by 71%, and the Kd was unaffected, suggesting a direct modification of the ligand binding site. Reversal of 4-isothiocyanatophenylaminothiocarbonyl-APEC inhibition of [3H]CGS 21680 binding with hydroxylamine suggested that the site of modification by the isothiocyanate is a cysteine residue. A bromoacetyl derivative of APEC was ineffective as an affinity label at submicromolar concentrations.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Affinity Labels; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Corpus Striatum; Diethyl Pyrocarbonate; Drug Antagonism; Hydroxylamine; Hydroxylamines; Molecular Sequence Data; Phenethylamines; Purinergic Antagonists; Rabbits; Radioligand Assay; Receptors, Purinergic; Theophylline; Xanthines

Phosphatidylcholine secretion in type II pneumocytes can be stimulated by P1 (adenosine) and P2 (ATP) purinoceptor agonists. The effect of adenosine is mediated by the A2 subtype of the P1 receptor. The A1 subtype is inhibitory. We examined the influence of ATP and the A2 agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxyamido)adenosine (NECA) on phosphatidylcholine secretion in primary cultures of rat type II cells. The stimulatory effects of ATP and NECA were less than additive, suggesting a common mechanism of action. NECA and ATP both caused a rapid increase in cAMP, and the combination enhanced this even further. ATP promoted inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation, whereas NECA did not. The effect of ATP on adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) but not on IP3 was abolished by a P1 antagonist, and such antagonists diminished its effect on secretion by as much as 75%. The potency orders of ATP analogues in increasing formation of cAMP and IP3 were different. The effects of the ATP analogues on phosphatidylcholine secretion were also inhibited by the P1 antagonists, with the greatest degree of inhibition being observed with the analogue that increased cAMP to the greatest extent. The effect of ATP on secretion was not diminished by either adenosine deaminase (previous data) or AMP deaminase showing that the effects of ATP were not mediated by its metabolism to the P1 agonists adenosine or AMP. These data show that ATP acts at both A2 and P2 receptors but that most of its effects on phosphatidylcholine secretion are mediated by the A2 receptor.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine Diphosphate; Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); AMP Deaminase; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Lung; Phosphatidylcholines; Pulmonary Surfactants; Receptors, Purinergic; Terbutaline; Theophylline; Thionucleotides; Xanthines

Caffeine is a competitive antagonist at adenosine receptors. Receptor up-regulation during chronic drug treatment has been proposed to be the mechanism of tolerance to the behavioral stimulant effects of caffeine. This study reassessed the role of adenosine receptors in caffeine tolerance. Separate groups of rats were given scheduled access to drinking bottles containing plain tap water or a 0.1% solution of caffeine. Daily drug intake averaged 60-75 mg/kg and resulted in complete tolerance to caffeine-induced stimulation of locomotor activity, which could not be surmounted by increasing the dose of caffeine. 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (0.001-1.0 mg/kg) dose dependently decreased the locomotor activity of caffeine-tolerant rats and their water-treated controls but was 8-fold more potent in the latter group. Caffeine (1.0-10 mg/kg) injected concurrently with 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine antagonized the decreases in locomotor activity comparably in both groups. Apparent pA2 values for tolerant and control rats also were comparable: 5.05 and 5.11. Thus, the adenosine-antagonist activity of caffeine was undiminished in tolerant rats. The effects of chronic caffeine administration on parameters of adenosine receptor binding and function were measured in cerebral cortex. There were no differences between brain tissue from control and caffeine-treated rats in number and affinity of adenosine binding sites or in receptor-mediated increases (A2 adenosine receptor) and decreases (A1 adenosine receptor) in cAMP accumulation. These results are consistent with theoretical arguments that changes in receptor density should not affect the potency of a competitive antagonist. Experimental evidence and theoretical considerations indicate that up-regulation of adenosine receptors is not the mechanism of tolerance to caffeine-induced stimulation of locomotor activity.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Administration, Oral; Animals; Binding Sites; Brain; Caffeine; Cyclic AMP; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Interactions; Drug Tolerance; Male; Motor Activity; Phenylisopropyladenosine; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Receptors, Purinergic; Time Factors; Tritium; Xanthines

Metabolically stable adenosine (ADO) agonists were infused into cannulas chronically implanted in the lateral cerebral ventricle intracerebroventricularly (icv) while responses in skin microcirculation of pentobarbital-anesthetized hamsters were observed with intravital microscopy. Cyclohexyladenosine (CHA; A1-receptor selective; 0.0001-1 pmol) and N-ethylcarboxoamidoadenosine (NECA; A2-receptor selective; 0.01-0.05 pmol) were delivered in 10 microliters of bicarbonate-buffered Ringer vehicle. Mean systemic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, skin arteriolar diameter, and red blood cell velocity were continuously monitored. Blood flow was calculated from measurements of arteriolar diameter (20-40 microns) and red blood cell velocity. CHA icv caused dose-related decreases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as increases in cutaneous perfusion. Comparable amounts of CHA administered intravenously evoked no response. Pretreatment with an A1-selective antagonist xanthine amine congener (XAC, 5 pmol icv or 1 mg/kg iv) had no effect on the depressor response but antagonized the bradycardia. In contrast, a nonselective antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8pTHEO, 5 pmol icv or 0.3 mg/kg iv) had no effect on the bradycardia but attenuated the depressor response. By either route, both antagonists prevented the cutaneous microcirculatory responses evoked by icv CHA. NECA icv produced hypotension but no change in the skin, and the depressor response was not altered by icv XAC. These observations provide direct evidence that chemical stimulation of central nervous system (CNS) ADO receptors is linked to a cutaneous vascular response that can be dissociated from other cardiorespiratory depressant actions of CNS ADO.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Animals; Arterioles; Brain; Cricetinae; Injections, Intraventricular; Male; Mesocricetus; Receptors, Purinergic; Skin; Theophylline; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents; Xanthines

It has previously been shown that covalent incorporation of the photoreactive adenosine derivative (R)-2-azido-N6-p-hydroxy-phenylisopropyladenosine [(R)-AHPIA] into the A1 adenosine receptor of intact fat cells leads to a persistent activation of this receptor, resulting in a reduction of cellular cAMP levels [Mol. Pharmacol. 30:403-409 (1986)]. In contrast, covalent incorporation of (R)-AHPIA into human platelet membranes, which contain only stimulatory A2 adenosine receptors, reduces adenylate cyclase stimulation via these receptors. This effect of (R)-AHPIA is specific for the A2 receptor and can be prevented by the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline. Binding studies indicate that up to 90% of A2 receptors can be blocked by photoincorporation of (R)-AHPIA. However, the remaining 10-20% of A2 receptors are sufficient to mediate an adenylate cyclase stimulation of up to 50% of the control value. Similarly, the activation via these 10-20% of receptors occurs with a half-life that is only 2 times longer than that in control membranes. This indicates the presence of a receptor reserve, with respect to both the extent and the rate of adenylate cyclase stimulation. These observations require a modification of the models of receptor-adenylate cyclase coupling, which is described in the accompanying paper [Mol. Pharmacol. 39:524-530 (1991)].

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Adenylyl Cyclases; Alprostadil; Azides; Blood Platelets; Humans; Kinetics; Membranes; Phenylisopropyladenosine; Purinergic Antagonists; Radioligand Assay; Receptors, Purinergic; Tritium; Vasodilator Agents; Xanthines

Similar to adenosine and some of its derivatives, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (NECA) produced a biphasic effect on the isolated hemidiaphragm of the rat: a potentiation of the isometric contraction during direct electrical stimulation (in the presence of dipyridamole), and a depression during indirect electrical stimulation, and particularly so in a partially curarized preparation. The potentiating effect is presumed to be due to activation of the cAMP system, probably through A2 receptor sites, although a differentiation of the receptor subtype could not be made with aminophylline and XAC. Inhibition is most probably due to a depressant action of NECA on the acetylcholine release from the motor nerve terminals. These results accord with our previous findings, suggesting that adenosine may be part of a buffer system which participates in balancing the excitatory and inhibitory influences on skeletal muscle contraction.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide); Aminophylline; Animals; Diaphragm; Dipyridamole; Electric Stimulation; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Isometric Contraction; Male; Neuromuscular Blocking Agents; Rats; Receptors, Purinergic; Respiratory Muscles; Tubocurarine; Xanthines