Role of endothelium in ischaemia-induced myocardial dysfunction of isolated working hearts: cardioprotection by activation of adenosine A(2A) receptors

1 This study aimed to determine the role of the vascular endothelium on recovery of contractile function following global low-flow ischaemia of guinea-pig isolated working hearts and the effects of adenosine analogues on this recovery. 2 Guinea-pig isolated spontaneously beating or paced working hearts were set up and coronary flow (CF), aortic output (AO) (as an index of cardiac function), heart rate (HR), left ventricular pressure (LVP) and dP/dt max recorded. The endothelium was either intact or removed by a blast of oxygen. 3 In spontaneously beating hearts, low-flow ischaemia for 30 min reduced CF and cardiac contractility (LVP, dP/dt max) but not AO. On reperfusion, CF, LVP and dP/dt max recovered, while AO fell precipitously followed by a gradual recovery, indicative of myocardial stunning. The effects of ischaemia did not differ between endothelium-intact and -denuded hearts, indicating no role of the endothelium in the changes observed. 4 The adenosine analogues, N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, A1 selective), 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, two-fold A2 selective over A1) and 2-p-((carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino)-5'carboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680, A2A selective) were infused (3 x 10-7 M) from 10 min into the 30-min low-flow ischaemia of denuded hearts and during reperfusion. 5 CGS21680 increased CF and improved the postischaemic functional recovery, as measured by the AO. NECA and CPA were not cardioprotective. The A2A selective antagonist, ZM241385, attenuated the coronary vasodilatation by CGS21680 and abolished the improved recovery of AO on reperfusion. 6 Reperfusion of paced working hearts caused a dramatic fall in AO which failed to recover. Infusion of CGS21680 from 15 min into the ischaemic period produced vasodilatation but failed to restore AO, presumably because the ischaemic damage was irreversible. 7 Thus, the endothelium plays no role in myocardial dysfunction following low-flow global ischaemia and reperfusion of guinea-pig working hearts. The A2A adenosine receptor-selective agonist but not the non-selective A2 receptor agonist, NECA, attenuated ischaemia- and reperfusion-induced stunning. This was attributed to increased CF and was independent of the endothelium.     

Role of endothelium in ischaemia‐induced myocardial dysfunction of isolated working hearts: cardioprotection by activation of adenosine A2A receptors

1 This study aimed to determine the role of the vascular endothelium on recovery of contractile function following global low‐flow ischaemia of guinea‐pig isolated working hearts and the effects of adenosine analogues on this recovery. 2 Guinea‐pig isolated spontaneously beating or paced working hearts were set up and coronary flow (CF), aortic output (AO) (as an index of cardiac function), heart rate (HR), left ventricular pressure (LVP) and dP/dt max recorded. The endothelium was either intact or removed by a blast of oxygen. 3 In spontaneously beating hearts, low‐flow ischaemia for 30 min reduced CF and cardiac contractility (LVP, dP/dt max) but not AO. On reperfusion, CF, LVP and dP/dt max recovered, while AO fell precipitously followed by a gradual recovery, indicative of myocardial stunning. The effects of ischaemia did not differ between endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded hearts, indicating no role of the endothelium in the changes observed. 4 The adenosine analogues, N⁶‐cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, A₁ selective), 5'‐N‐ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, two‐fold A₂ selective over A₁) and 2‐p‐((carboxyethyl)‐phenethylamino)‐5'carboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680, A_2A selective) were infused (3 × 10^?7 M ) from 10 min into the 30‐min low‐flow ischaemia of denuded hearts and during reperfusion. 5 CGS21680 increased CF and improved the postischaemic functional recovery, as measured by the AO. NECA and CPA were not cardioprotective. The A_2A selective antagonist, ZM241385, attenuated the coronary vasodilatation by CGS21680 and abolished the improved recovery of AO on reperfusion. 6 Reperfusion of paced working hearts caused a dramatic fall in AO which failed to recover. Infusion of CGS21680 from 15 min into the ischaemic period produced vasodilatation but failed to restore AO, presumably because the ischaemic damage was irreversible. 7 Thus, the endothelium plays no role in myocardial dysfunction following low‐flow global ischaemia and reperfusion of guinea‐pig working hearts. The A_2A adenosine receptor‐selective agonist but not the non‐selective A₂ receptor agonist, NECA, attenuated ischaemia‐ and reperfusion‐induced stunning. This was attributed to increased CF and was independent of the endothelium.     

Comparative effects of a selective adenosine A2 receptor agonist, CGS 21680, and nitroprusside in vascular smooth muscle.

CGS 21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethyolcarboxamidoa denosine) is an adenosine agonist that has been reported recently to bind selectively to adenosine A2 receptors in rat brain. This adenosine agonist, and the parent compound NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine), were found to be potent vasorelaxants of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) precontracted porcine coronary smooth muscle with EC50s of 4.5 and 9.7 nM, respectively. Schild analysis of the inhibition of CGS 21680, NECA and 2-chloroadenosine induced relaxation of the porcine coronary artery by CGS 15943 (9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-C]quinazolin-5-amine), an A2 receptor antagonist, yielded identical pA2 values for the antagonist (approximately 9.3). This indicates that the same receptor mediates the effects of these three adenosine agonists. NECA and CGS 21680 were equipotent in most vascular preparations except in the canine coronary artery. Porcine coronary arterial rings contracted with PGF2 alpha were relaxed by NECA or CGS 21680 as well as by nitroprusside; those contracted with KCl (40 mM) were relaxed only by nitroprusside. In rabbit aorta, contractions induced by phenylephrine or PGF2 alpha were inhibited by nitroprusside but not by NECA or CGS 21680. Thus, the adenosine A2 receptor agonists, NECA and CGS 21680, are potent vasorelaxants that display regional vascular and species variations that differ from those of nitroprusside.     

Characterisation of adenosine receptors mediating relaxation in hamster isolated aorta

The aim of this study was to characterise the receptor(s) mediating relaxations to adenosine and its analogues in the hamster isolated aorta. Adenosine relaxed the aorta but there was no significant difference between pIC20 values in the absence and presence of 8-sulphophenyltheophylline (8-SPT, 50 microM), although there was a small right-shift (approximately threefold) of the lower portion of the curve in the presence of 8-SPT. However, in the presence of the adenosine uptake inhibitor nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI, 1 microM), curves to adenosine were left-shifted by approximately 100-fold and an apparent pK(B) for 8-SPT of 5.79+/-0.05 was obtained. Likewise, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) relaxed the aorta but curves were biphasic. The first phase of the curve was blocked by 8-SPT (10-100 microM, pA2 = 5.75+/-0.14) and the A2A-selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl) [1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylaminolethyl) phenol (ZM 241385, 3 nM-1 microM, pK(B)=9.17+/-0.10). Similarly, the A2A-selective agonist 2-[p)-(2-carbonylethyl)-phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxam idoadenosine (CGS 21680) relaxed the tissues but curves were biphasic and the first phase was again blocked by ZM 241385 (10 nM, apparent pK(B)=9.06+/-0.34). In contrast, relaxations to N6-R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO) and N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (IB-MECA) were not blocked by 8-SPT (50 microM). Responses to IB-MECA were also not blocked by the A3 receptor antagonist 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-6-phenyl-4-phenylethynyl-1,4-(+/-)-dihyd ropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS 1191, 30 microM). The asymptote of the first phase of curves to NECA was markedly reduced (and in some preparations the first phase was completely abolished) both in the presence of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 0.1 mM), and in the absence of endothelium. Likewise, the first phase of curves to CGS 21680 was abolished both in the presence of L-NAME (0.1 mM) and in the absence of endothelium. In contrast, there were only relatively small shifts to the right of curves to adenosine and the other analogues in the presence of L-NAME or the absence of endothelium (between three- and fivefold). The data suggest the presence of A2A receptors which are located on the endothelium and mediate release of nitric oxide. These receptors are activated by NECA, CGS 21680 and adenosine (in the presence of uptake blockade). The resistance to blockade of relaxations to adenosine (in the absence of uptake inhibitor), CPA, R-PIA, 2-CADO, IB-MECA and high concentrations of NECA and CGS 21680 by 8-SPT or ZM 241385 suggests the presence of an additional mechanism(s). Data obtained with adenosine in the absence and presence of NBTI suggest that the endogenous ligand may cause relaxation via an intracellular mechanism.     

Apparent involvement of the A(2A) subtype adenosine receptor in the anti-inflammatory interactions of CGS 21680, cyclopentyladenosine, and IB-MECA with human neutrophils

This study was undertaken to identify the adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes which down-regulate the proinflammatory activities of human neutrophils, as well as the involvement of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and its relationship to cellular handling of Ca(2+) in mediating these effects. Neutrophils were treated with varying concentrations (0.01-1 microM) of AR agonists operative at A(1) (N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, CPA), A(2A) (2(4-[(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl]ethylamino)-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosi ne, CGS 21680), and A(3) (N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl-5'-N-methylcarbamoyladenosine, IB-MECA) receptors, after which they were activated with the chemoattractant, N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP, 1 microM). Intracellular cAMP, superoxide, and elastase were assayed using radioimmunoassay, lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (LECL), and colorimetric procedures, respectively, while changes in the concentrations of cytosolic Ca(2+) were monitored by fura-2-based spectrofluorimetry. CGS 21680, at all concentrations tested, inhibited superoxide production in a dose-related manner, while CPA and IB-MECA were effective only at the highest concentrations tested (0.5-1 microM). The release of elastase from activated neutrophils was also inhibited by all three AR agonists, but was more sensitive to CGS 21680 and IB-MECA than was superoxide production. The inhibitory effects of all 3 agonists on superoxide production and elastase release were associated with accelerated clearance of Ca(2+) from the cytosol of activated neutrophils, and were effectively neutralized by pretreatment of the cells with the highly selective A(2A)R antagonist, ZM 241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1, 2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5yl amino]ethyl)phenol). Increased cAMP was detected in neutrophils treated with CGS 21680 and IB-MECA (1 microM). These data support the involvement of the A(2A)R subtype in the suppression of superoxide production and degranulation by activated human neutrophils, probably by cAMP-mediated alterations in Ca(2+) handling.     

Functional characterization of coronary vascular adenosine receptors in the mouse

Coronary responses to adenosine agonists were assessed in perfused mouse and rat hearts. The roles of nitric oxide (NO) and ATP-dependent K(+) channels (K(ATP)) were studied in the mouse. Resting coronary resistance was lower in mouse vs rat, as was minimal resistance (2.2+/-0.1 vs 3.8+/-0.2 mmHg ml(-1) min(-1) g(-1)). Peak hyperaemic flow after 20 - 60 s occlusion was greater in mouse. Adenosine agonists induced coronary dilation in mouse, with pEC(50)s of 9.4+/-0.1 for 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethyl carboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680, A(2A)-selective agonist), 9.3+/-0.1 for 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, A(1)/A(2) agonist), 8.4+/-0.1 for 2-chloroadenosine (A(1)/A(2) agonist), 7.7+/-0.1 for N(6)-(R)-(phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA, A(1)/A(2B) selective), and 6.8+/-0.2 for adenosine. The potency order (CGS21680=NECA>2-chloroadenosine>R-PIA>adenosine) supports A(2A) adenosine receptor-mediated dilation in mouse coronary vessels. 0.2 - 2 microM of the A(2B)-selective antagonist alloxazine failed to alter CGS21680 or 2-chloroadenosine responses. pEC(50)s in rat were 6.7+/-0.2 for CGS21680, 7.3+/-0.1 for NECA, 7.6+/-0.1 for 2-chloroadenosine, 7.2+/-0.1 for R-PIA, and 6.2+/-0.1 for adenosine (2-chloroadenosine>NECA=R-PIA>CGS21680> adenosine), supporting an A(2B) adenosine receptor response. NO-synthase antagonism with 50 microM N(G)-nitro L-arginine (L-NOARG) increased resistance by approximately 25%, and inhibited responses to CGS21680 (pEC(50)=9.0+/-0.1), 2-chloroadenosine (pEC(50)=7.3+/-0.2) and endothelial-dependent ADP, but not sodium nitroprusside (SNP). K(ATP) channel blockade with 5 microM glibenclamide increased resistance by approximately 80% and inhibited responses to CGS21680 in control (pEC(50)=8.3+/-0.1) and L-NOARG-treated hearts (pEC(50)=7.3+/-0.1), and to 2-chloroadenosine in control (pEC(50)=6.7+/-0.1) and L-NOARG-treated hearts (pEC(50)=5.9+/-0.2). In summary, mouse coronary vessels are more sensitive to adenosine than rat vessels. A(2A) adenosine receptors mediate dilation in mouse coronary vessels vs A(2B) receptors in rat. Responses in the mouse involve a sensitive NO-dependent response and K(ATP)-dependent dilation.     

Activation of multiple sites by adenosine analogues in the rat isolated aorta.

1. The presence of A2 receptors mediating relaxation in the rat isolated aorta has been previously demonstrated. However, agonist dependency of the degree of rightward shift elicited by 8-sulphophenyltheophylline (8-SPT) led to the suggestion that the population of receptors in this tissue is not a homogeneous one. In this study we have re-examined the effects of 8-SPT in the absence and presence of the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and investigated antagonism of responses by the potent A2a receptor ligands PD 115,199 (N-[2-dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3 dipropyl-1H-purin-8-yl)) benzene sulphonamidexanthine), ZM 241385 (4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl) [1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-yl amino]ethyl)phenol), and CGS 21680 (2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine). We have also investigated the antagonist effects of BWA1433 (1,3-dipropyl-8-(4-acrylate)phenylxanthine) which has been shown to have affinity at rat A3 receptors. 2. Adenosine, R-PIA (N6-R-phenylisopropyl adenosine), CPA (N6-cyclopentyladenosine) and NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) all elicited relaxant responses in the phenylephrine pre-contracted rat isolated aorta with the following potency order (p[A50] values in parentheses): NECA (7.07 +/- 0.11) > R-PIA (5.65 +/- 0.10) > CPA (5.05 +/- 0.12) > adenosine (4.44 +/- 0.12). 3. 8-SPT (10-100 microM) caused parallel rightward shifts of the E/[A] curves to NECA (pKB = 5.23 +/- 0.16). A smaller rightward shift of E/[A] curves to CPA was observed (pA2 = 4.85 +/- 0.17). However, no significant shifts of E/[A] curves to either adenosine or R-PIA were observed. 4. In the absence of endothelium E/[A] curves to NECA and CPA were right-shifted compared to controls. However, removal of the endothelium did not produce a substantial shift of adenosine E/[A] curves, and E/[A] curves to R-PIA were unaffected by removal of the endothelium. 5. In the presence of L-NAME (100 microM) E/[A] curves to NECA and CPA were right-shifted. However, no further shift of the CPA E/[A] curve was obtained when 8-SPT (50 microM) was administered concomitantly. The locations of curves to R-PIA and adenosine were unaffected by L-NAME (100 microM). 6. In the presence of PD 115,199 (0.1 microM) a parallel rightward shift of NECA E/[A] curves was observed (pA2 = 7.50 +/- 0.19). PD 115,199 (0.1 and 1 microM) gave smaller rightward shifts of E/[A] curves to R-PIA and CPA, but E/[A] curves to adenosine were not significantly shifted in the presence of PD 115,199 (0.1 or 1 microM). 7. The presence of ZM 241385 (3 nM-0.3 microM) caused parallel rightwad shifts of NECA E/[A] curves (pKB = 8.73 +/- 0.11). No significant shifts of E/[A] curves to adenosine, CPA or R-PIA were observed in the presence of 0.1 microM ZM 241385. 8. CGS 21680 (1 microM) elicited a relaxant response equivalent to approximately 40% of the NECA maximum response. In the presence of this concentration of CGS 21680, E/[A] curves to NECA were right-shifted in excess of 2-log units, whereas E/[A] curves to R-PIA were not significantly shifted. 9. BWA1433 (100 microM) caused a small but significant right-shift of the E/[A] curve to R-PIA yielding a pA2 estimate of 4.1 IB-MECA (N6-(3-iodo-benzyl)adenosine-5(1)-N-methyl uronamide) elicited relaxant responses which were resistant to blockade by 8-SPT (p[A]50 = 5.26 +/- 0.13). 10. The results suggest that whereas relaxations to NECA (10 nM-1 microM) are mediated via adenosine A2a receptors, which are located at least in part on the endothelium, R-PIA and CPA may activate A2b receptors on the endothelium and an additional, as yet undefined site, which is likely to be located on the smooth muscle and which is not susceptible to blockade by 8-SPT, PD 115,199 or ZM 241385. This site is unlikely to be an A3 receptor since the very small shift obtained in the presence of BWA1433 (100 microM), and the low potency of IB-MECA is not consistent with the affin     

Characterization of P1-purinoceptors on rat isolated duodenum longitudinal muscle and muscularis mucosae.

1. P1-purinoceptors mediating relaxation of the rat duodenum longitudinal muscle and contraction of the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae were characterized by the use of adenosine and its analogues, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CPA), N6-(phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA), 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO) and 2-p-((carboxyethyl)phenethylamino)-5'-carboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680), as well as the P1-purinoceptor antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) and the A1-selective antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). 2. In the rat duodenum longitudinal muscle, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists was CPA > NECA > adenosine > CGS21680. DPCPX antagonized responses to CPA and NECA at a concentration of 1 nM suggesting that they are acting at A1 receptors. A Schild plot versus CPA gave a slope near to unity (slope = 0.955) and a pA2 of 9.8 confirming that CPA was acting via A1 receptors. Schild analysis for DPCPX versus NECA, however, gave a slope of 0.674 suggesting that NECA was acting on both A1 and A2 receptors. CGS21680, a selective A2a agonist, was much less potent than adenosine suggesting that the A2 receptors are of the A2b subtype. 3. In the rat duodenum muscularis mucosae, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists was NECA > or = R-PIA = CPA > 2-CADO > adenosine, and DPCPX antagonized responses to CPA and NECA at a concentration of 1 microM. CGS21680, at a concentration of 10 microM, had no effect on this tissue. This suggests the presence of A2 receptors in this tissue and that they are of the A2b subtype. 4. These results are in agreement with previous studies in the whole duodenum showing the presence of A1 and A2b receptors causing relaxation, and this shows that the longitudinal muscle dominates the response of the whole tissue. In addition, a contractile A2b receptor has been revealed on the muscularis mucosae, the first time this subtype has been reported to elicit an excitatory response in a smooth muscle preparation.     

Characterization of adenosine receptors mediating the vasodilator effects of adenosine receptor agonists in the microvasculature of the hamster cheek pouch in vivo

1 The aim of this study was to characterize the adenosine receptor mediating vasodilation in the microvasculature of the hamster cheek pouch in vivo. A range of adenosine agonists was used including N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) (A1 agonist), 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) (non-selective), 2-chloroadenosine (2CADO) (non-selective), 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680) (A2A agonist), N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (IBMECA) (A3 agonist) and adenosine, as well as the adenosine antagonists 8-sulphophenyltheophylline (8-SPT) (A1/A2 antagonist), 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) (A1 antagonist) and 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]-triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM 241385) (A2A antagonist). 2 All the adenosine analogues used induced vasodilation at concentrations between 10 nm and 1 microm, and the potency order was NECA > CGS 21680 > 2CADO > CPA=IBMECA > adenosine, indicating an action at A2A receptors. 8-SPT (50 microm) antagonized vasodilator responses to NECA with an apparent pKB of 5.4, consistent with an action at A1 or A2 receptors and confirming that A3 receptors are not involved in this response. 3 DPCPX (10 nm) had no effect on vasodilation evoked by NECA, suggesting that this response was not mediated via A1 receptors, while ZM 241385 (10 nm) antagonized dilator responses to NECA with an apparent pKB of 8.9 consistent with an action via A2A receptors. 4 Overall these results suggest that adenosine A2A receptors mediate vasodilation in the hamster cheek pouch in vivo.     

A2-purinoceptor-mediated relaxation in the guinea-pig coronary vasculature: a role for nitric oxide.

1. The Langendorff heart preparation was used to investigate the mechanism of action of the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation evoked by adenosine and its analogues in the guinea-pig coronary vasculature. 2. The relative order of potency of adenosine and its analogues in causing a reduction in perfusion pressure was D-5'-(N-ethylcarboxamide)adenosine (NECA) = 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680)> R-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) = adenosine = 2-chloroadenosine (2-CA) > S-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (S-PIA) = N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CPA); thus suggesting the presence of A2-purinoceptors in this preparation. 3. 8-(p-Sulphophenyl)theophylline (8-PSPT; 3 x 10(-5) M) significantly reduced both the maximum amplitude and area of the vasodilatation produced in response to adenosine (5 x 10(-10) -5 x 10(-8) mol) without having any effect on the response to the P2-purinoceptor agonist, 2-methylthioATP. The relaxation induced by adenosine (5 x 10(-12) -5 x 10(-8) mol) was unaffected by the selective A1-purinoceptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX; 10(-8) M). This antagonist profile suggests that only A2-purinoceptors are present in the guinea-pig coronary vasculature. 4. The areas of the vasodilator response to adenosine (5 x 10(-10) -5 x 10(-7 mol), NECA (5 x 10(-12) -5 x 10(-7) mol) and CGS 21680 (5 x 10(-12) -5 x 10(-10) mol) were significantly reduced by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 3 x 10(-5) M).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

EXAMINATION OF ADENOSINE RECEPTOR-MEDIATED RELAXATION OF THE PIG CORONARY ARTERY

1. The adenosine receptors mediating relaxation of porcine isolated left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) and the effects of the level and type of preconstriction on the responses to adenosine analogues were examined in the present study. 2. Relaxation responses to the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) were endothelium independent. N-Ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, GR 79236 (A1 receptor selective) and 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CGS 21680) (A2A receptor selective) produced full relaxation in LAD precontracted to 50% of the response to potassium depolarization with the thromboxane receptor agonist U46619. The order of potency was CGS 21680 = NECA > GR 79236, consistent with that defining the A2A receptor subtype. 3. 3,7-Dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX; A2 receptor selective) competitively antagonized NECA and CGS 21680 with pKB values of 4.95 +/- 0.09 and 5.06 +/- 0.22, respectively. The A1 receptor selective antagonist 1,3-[3H]-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) had no effect on NECA relaxation, even in the presence of DMPX. 4. The sensitivity to relaxation by NECA was dependent on the precontracting agent. Arteries precontracted with endothelin (ET)-1 were most sensitive to NECA, U46619-precontracted arteries were intermediate and KCl-precontracted arteries were least sensitive. 5. The potency of NECA was reduced when the preconstriction level was increased from 50 to 90% of maximum in U46619-precontracted arteries (pEC50 7.94 +/- 0.12 and 7.35 +/- 0.04, respectively) and, in KCl-precontracted arteries, both the potency and maximum effect of NECA were reduced when the preconstriction level increased from 50 to 80% of maximum (pEC50 7.52 +/- 0.13 and 6.91 +/- 0.26, respectively; maximum responses 82.5 +/- 10.2 and 23.9 +/- 3.6%, respectively, of the preconstricted tone). Relaxation responses to NECA were independent of the level of precontraction in ET-1-precontracted arteries. 6. In porcine LAD, relaxation responses to adenosine analogues were endothelium independent and were mediated via A2A adenosine receptors. Responses to NECA were dependent on both the level and type of preconstriction.     

Adenosine mediates relaxation of human small resistance-like coronary arteries via A2B receptors.

1. The receptor subtype and mechanisms underlying relaxation to adenosine were examined in human isolated small coronary arteries contracted with the thromboxane A2 mimetic, 1,5,5-hydroxy-11alpha, 9alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic acid (U46619) to approximately 50% of their maximum contraction to K+ (125 mM) depolarization (Fmax). Relaxations were normalized as percentages of the 50% Fmax contraction. 2. Adenosine caused concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50, 5.95+/-0.20; maximum relaxation (Rmax), 96.7+/-1.4%) that were unaffected by either combined treatment with the nitric oxide inhibitors, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 100 microM) and oxyhaemoglobin (HbO; 20 microM) or the ATP-dependent K+ channel (KATP) inhibitor, glibenclamide (10 microM). The pEC50 but not Rmax to adenosine was significantly reduced by high extracellular K+ (30 mM). Relaxations to the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, however, were unaffected by high K+ (30 mM). 3. Adenosine and a range of adenosine analogues, adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO), 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA), R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA), S(+)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (S-PIA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 1-deoxy-1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-N-methyl-beta- D-ribofuranuronamide (IB-MECA), 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine hydrochloride (CGS 21680), relaxed arteries with a rank order of potency of NECA= 2-CADO >adenosine= IB-MECA = R-PIA= CPA > S-PIA)> CGS 21680. 4. Sensitivity but not Rmax to adenosine was significantly reduced approximately 80 and 20 fold by the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-(p-sulphophenyl)theophylline (8-SPT) and the A2 receptor antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). By contrast, the A1-selective antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) had no effect on pEC50 or Rmax to adenosine. 5. These results suggest that A2B receptors mediate relaxation to adenosine in human small coronary arteries which is independent of NO but dependent in part on a K+-sensitive mechanism.     

Pharmacological characterization of adenosine receptors in PGT-beta mouse pineal gland tumour cells

1. The adenosine receptor in mouse pinealocytes was identified and characterized using pharmacological and physiological approaches. 2. Expression of the two adenosine receptor subtypes A2B and A3 was detected in mouse pineal glands and PGT-beta cells by polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing. 3. Adenosine and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) evoked cyclic AMP generation but the A2)-selective agonist 2-(4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino)adenosine-5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (CGS 21680) and the A1-specific agonists R-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (R-PIA) and N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) had little effect on intracellular cyclic AMP levels. The A2B receptor selective antagonists alloxazine and enprofylline completely blocked NECA-mediated cyclic AMP accumulation. 4. Treatment of cells with the A3-selective agonist N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-5'-(N-methylcarbamoyl)adenosine (IB-MECA) inhibited the elevation of the cyclic AMP level induced by NECA or isoproterenol in a concentration-dependent manner with maximal inhibition of 40 - 50%. These responses were blocked by the specific A3 adenosine receptor antagonist MRS 1191. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin attenuated the IB-MECA-induced responses, suggesting that this effect occurred via the pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibitory G proteins. 5. IB-MECA also caused a concentration-dependent elevation in [Ca(2+)]i and IP3 content. Both the responses induced by IB-MECA were attenuated by treatment with U73122 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. 6. These data suggest the presence of both A2B and A3 adenosine receptors in mouse pineal tumour cells and that the A2B receptor is positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase whereas the A3 receptor is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and also coupled to phospholipase C.     

A2A adenosine receptors from rat striatum and rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells: characterization with radioligand binding and by activation of adenylate cyclase.

Binding assays and assays of activation of adenylate cyclase with the agonists 5'-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine (NECA) and CGS21680 have been used to compare adenosine receptors in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and in rat striatum. The [3H]NECA binding showed two components, whereas [3H]CGS21680 bound to one component in both tissues. The Kd value for the high affinity site labeled with [3H]NECA in PC12 cell membranes (2.3 nM) was lower than that in striatum (6.5 nM). The [3H]CGS21680 binding site showed a Kd value of 6.7 nM and 11.3 nM in PC12 cells and striatum, respectively. In the presence of GTP the KD values of [3H]NECA and [3H]CGS21680 for the high affinity site were increased severalfold, whereas the low affinity sites for [3H]NECA were no longer detected with filtration assays. A comparison of the ability of a series of agonists and antagonists to inhibit high affinity binding of [3H]NECA to A2 receptors in PC12 cell and striatal membranes indicated that agonists had higher affinities and antagonists had lower affinities in PC12 cells, compared with affinities in striatal membranes. Analysis of activation of adenylate cyclase in PC12 cell membranes suggested that the dose-dependent stimulation by NECA involved two components, whereas CGS21680 stimulated via one component. The maximal stimulation by NECA significantly exceeded that caused by CGS21680. In intact PC12 cells, NECA caused a greater accumulation of AMP than did CGS21680, as was the case in membranes. In striatal membranes, NECA and CGS21680 showed similar maximal stimulations of adenylate cyclase. Both NECA and CGS21680 were more potent in PC12 cell membranes than in striatal membranes, in agreement with binding data. However, in contrast to binding data, antagonists were not less potent versus stimulation of adenylate cyclase by NECA or CGS21680 in PC12 cell membranes, compared with striatal membranes. In toto, the results suggest that A2A receptors in striatum are virtually identical to the A2A receptors in PC12 cells. But, in addition to an A2A receptor, it appears that a lower affinity functional receptor, probably an A2B receptor, is present in PC12 cells and PC12 cell membranes, whereas such a functional low affinity receptor is not detectable in striatal membrane.     

Failure of CGS15943A to block the hypotensive action of agonists acting at the adenosine A3 receptor.

1. Adenosine receptor agonists were evaluated for their activity at the putative adenosine A3 receptor which mediates a 'xanthine-resistant' hypotensive response in the anaesthetized rat. The compounds tested were: the A1/A3 receptor agonist, N-[2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyl]adenosine (APNEA), the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), the adenosine A1 receptor-selective agonists, N-[(1S,trans)-2-hydroxycyclopentyl]adenosine (GR79236) and N6-cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA), the A2a receptor-selective agonists, 2-[[2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl) phenyl] ethyl] amino]-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) and 2-phenylaminoadenosine (CV1808), and the moderately A2b selective agonist, N-[(2-methylphenyl)methyl]adenosine (metrifudil). 2. In confirmation of literature findings, APNEA (1-1000 nmol kg-1) induced hypotension and bradycardia; the hypotension was not blocked by pretreatment with the xanthine antagonist, 8-P-sulphophenyltheophylline (8-sPT; 40 mg kg-1, i.v.), whereas the bradycardia was attenuated. The non-xanthine antagonist, 9-fluoro-2-(2-furyl)-5,6-dihydro [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]- quinazin-5-imine (CGS15943A; 3 mg kg-1 i.v.), also attenuated the bradycardia without affecting the hypotension. 3. The adenosine A1 receptor-selective agonists, GR79236 and CPA, both produced dose-dependent falls in blood pressure and heart rate which were antagonized by 8-sPT (40 mg kg-1) and CGS15943A (3 mg kg-1). 4. The adenosine A2a receptor-selective agonists, CGS21680 and CV1808, produced only a hypotensive response which was antagonized by 8-sPT (40 mg kg-1) and to a much greater extent by CGS15943A (3 mg kg-1), consistent with the response being mediated solely by A2a receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Characterization of P1-purinoceptors on rat duodenum and urinary bladder.

1. The P1-purinoceptors mediating relaxation of the rat duodenum and inhibition of contraction of the rat urinary bladder were characterized by use of adenosine and its analogues 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) and 2-p-((carboxyethyl)phenethylamino)-5'- carboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), as well as the A1-selective antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX). The stable analogue of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), adenylyl 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene)diphosphonate (AMPPCP), was also used as previous work had indicated that it has a direct action on some P1 receptors in addition to its P2-purinoceptor activity. 2. In the rat duodenum, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists was NECA greater than or equal to CPA greater than AMPPCP = adenosine greater than CGS 21680, and DPCPX antagonized CPA and AMPPCP at a concentration of 1 nM whereas equivalent antagonism of NECA and adenosine required a concentration of 1 microM. This suggests the presence of a mixture of A1 and A2 receptors in this tissue, with CPA and AMPPCP acting on the A1 and NECA and adenosine acting on the A2 receptors. 3. In the rat bladder, the order of potency of the adenosine agonists for inhibition of carbachol-induced contractions was NECA much greater than adenosine greater than CPA = CGS 21680, and a concentration of DPCPX of 1 microM was required to antagonize responses to NECA and adenosine. This suggests the presence of A2 receptors in this tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The plasma protein extravasation induced by adenosine and its analogues in the rat dorsal skin: evidence for the involvement of capsaicin sensitive primary afferent neurones and mast cells

1. The contribution of sensory neurons and mast cells to the oedema evoked by adenosine A1 (N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, CPA, 3 - 30 nmol site(-1)), A2 (5'N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, NECA, 1 - 10 nmol site(-1)) and A3 receptor agonists (N6-[3-iodobenzyl]-N-methyl-5'-carboxiamidoadenosine, IB-MECA, 0.01 - 3 nmol site(-1)) was investigated in the rat skin microvasculature, by the extravascular accumulation of intravenously-injected (i.v.) 125I-albumin. 2. Intradermal (i.d.) injection of adenosine and analogues induced increased microvascular permeability in a dose-dependent manner (IB-MECA > NECA > CPA > adenosine). The non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline (5 - 50 nmol site(-1)) markedly inhibited adenosine, CPA or NECA but not IB-MECA-induced plasma extravasation. The A1 receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 0.3 - 3 micromol kg(-1), i.v.) significantly reduced CPA-induced plasma extravasation whereas responses to adenosine, NECA or IB-MECA were unchanged. The A2 receptor antagonist 3,7-dymethyl-1-proprargylxanthine (DMPX, 0.5 - 50 nmol site(-1)) significantly reduced NECA-induced plasma extravasation without affecting responses to adenosine, CPA and IB-MECA. 3. The tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist (S)-1-[2-[3-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)-1 (3-isopropoxyphenylacetyl) piperidin-3-yl] ethyl]-4-phenyl-1 azaniabicyclo [2.2.2]octane chloride (SR140333), but not the NK2 receptor antagonist (S)-N-methyl-N[4-acetylamino-4-phenyl piperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)butyl]-benzamide (SR48968), significantly inhibited the plasma extravasation evoked by higher doses of adenosine (100 nmol site(-1)), CPA (100 nmol site(-1)), NECA (1 nmol site(-1)) and IB-MECA (0.1 - 1 nmol site(-1)). In rats treated with capsaicin to destroy sensory neurons, the response to higher doses of adenosine, CPA and NECA, but not IB-MECA, was significantly inhibited. 4. The effects of adenosine and analogues were largely inhibited by histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) antagonists and by compound 48/80 pretreatment. 5. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that adenosine A1 and A2, but not A3, receptor agonists may function as cutaneous neurogenic pro-inflammatory mediators; acting via microvascular permeability-increasing mechanisms that can, depending on dose of agonist and purine receptor under study, involve the tachykinin NK1 receptor and mast cell amines.     

Characterization of the adenosine receptor mediating contraction in rat colonic muscularis mucosae.

1. The objective of this study was to characterize the adenosine receptor mediating contraction in rat isolated colonic muscularis mucosae (RCMM). 2. Sequential additions of the adenosine receptor agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA; 0.01-10 microM) elicited reproducible, concentration-related contractions in RCMM. The effects of NECA were mimicked by the adenosine A1 receptor-selective agonists cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA) and N-[1S, trans)2-hydroxycyclopentyl] adenosine (GR79236) and by S-PIA (the stereoisomer of R-PIA). The adenosine A2 agonists N-[(2-methylphenyl)methyl] adenosine (metrifudil) and 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamine]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) also produced contractions in RCMM but were 54 and 165 times less potent respectively than NECA. The rank order of agonist potency for contraction of RCMM was CPA > or = GR79236 = R-PIA > or = NECA > > S-PIA = metrifudil > CGS21680, which is identical to that reported for the inhibition of spontaneous rate in rat isolated right atria and inhibition of lipolysis in rat isolated adipocytes by these same agonists. 3. R-PIA, S-PIA and metrifudil behaved as partial agonists in RCMM. 4. The adenosine A1 receptor-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3- dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) inhibited the contractions produced by all the adenosine agonists tested, with pKB values between 9.2 and 9.5. The non-selective adenosine antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT) antagonized the effects of NECA but also markedly potentiated (by 93.0 +/- 10.2% at 3 microM) the maximum contractile response to NECA in RCMM. Neither 8-PT (3 microM) nor DPCPX (0.1 microM) had any effect on the contractions produced by carbachol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Adenosine receptor-mediated modulation of acetylcholine release from rat striatal synaptosomes.

1. The effects of A1 and A2a adenosine receptor agonists on the veratridine-evoked release of [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]-ACh) from rat striatal synaptosomes was investigated by use of the A1-selective agonist, R-PIA and the 185 fold selective A2a agonist, CGS 21680. The effects of NECA, which is equipotent at both receptor subtypes, were also studied. 2. The evoked release of [3H]-ACh was significantly enhanced by the A2a agonist CGS 21680 but decreased by the A1 agonist, R-PIA. The effects of NECA were dependent on the concentration used, with high concentrations inhibiting and low concentrations enhancing the evoked release of [3H]-ACh. In the absence of any antagonists, the rank order of potency for these three drugs on increasing [3H]-ACh release was CGS 21680 > NECA > R-PIA. 3. The stimulatory effects of CGS 21680 and low NECA concentrations on evoked [3H]-ACh release were antagonized by the A2a receptor antagonists, CP66,713 (300 nM) and CGS 15943A (50 nM) whilst the inhibitory effects of R-PIA were reversed by the selective A1 antagonist, DPCPX (4 nM). In the presence of DPCPX, NECA greatly enhanced the evoked release of [3H]-ACh at all concentrations studied when, during such A1 receptor blockade, the rank order of potency was NECA >> CGS 21680 > R-PIA. 4. These results demonstrate that both A1 and A2a adenosine receptors modulate the veratridine-evoked release of [3H]-ACh from rat striatal synaptosomes.     

Adenosine receptor modulation of sympathetic neurotransmission in rat isolated kidney

In the present study we set out to define, using discriminatory agonists and antagonists, the adenosine receptors modulating sympathetic neurotransmission in the rat kidney. Isolated kidneys from male Wistar rats were perfused with modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer solution at constant flow. The neuronal noradrenaline stores were labeled with ³H-noradrenaline and the renal nerves stimulated electrically (2 Hz, 3 msec, 9 mA, during 20 sec at intervals of 6 min). ³H overflow was taken as an index of ³H-noradrenaline release. The A₁ receptor selective agonists N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), and N⁶-[R(−)-1-phenyl-2-propyl]adenosine (R-PIA), and the mixed A₁/A_2A receptor agonists 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) and 2-chloroadenosine (CADO) inhibited evoked ³H outflow concentration-dependently. The selective A_2A receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680), at concentrations selective for A_2A receptors, failed to modify ³H outflow, whereas at higher concentrations it induced inhibition. The rank order of potency of agonists, CPA > CHA = R-PIA > NECA > CADO >> CGS 21680, is typical for an interaction with the A₁ receptor. 1,3-Dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), at concentrations selective for blockade of A₁ receptors, blocked concentration-dependently the inhibitory effects of CPA and NECA; no evidence of an increase in outflow was seen with NECA in the presence of DPCPX. The selective A_2A receptor antagonist 9-chloro-2-(2-furanyl)[1,2,4]triazol[1,5-c] quinazoline-5-amine (CGS 15943) did not influence the agonist effects at concentrations interacting selectively with A_2A receptors but antagonized them concentration-dependently at higher, non-selective concentrations. Taken together, our data establish the presence of inhibitory adenosine A₁ receptors on the terminal sympathetic neurons of rat kidney. No evidence was obtained for the presence of functional A_2A receptors in this preparation. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.