Stimulation of adenosine A2B receptors induces interleukin-6 secretion in cardiac fibroblasts via the PKC-δ–P38 signalling pathway

Background and purpose:

Inflammatory response and cytokine activation are markedly stimulated after myocardial infarction, and contribute to cardiac remodelling. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has pleiotropic effects on cardiac remodelling. Adenosine, released by all cell types, binds to a class of G protein-coupled receptors to induce various cardiovascular effects. The aim of this work was to investigate whether activation of adenosine receptors, particularly A_2B adenosine receptors, could stimulate IL-6 secretion in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

Experimental approach:

elisa was used to assess IL-6 concentration in supernatant, and immunostaining was used to analyse IL-6 protein level in CFs. The levels of phosphorylated and total p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ) were determined by Western blot analysis.

Key results:

Adenosine-5′-N-ethyluronamide (NECA), a stable adenosine analogue, dose- and time-dependently stimulated IL-6 secretion in CFs. The effect of NECA was dose-dependently inhibited by an A_2B antagonist, and silencing of the A_2B receptor also inhibited IL-6 secretion. By using PKC isoform-selective inhibitors and translocation peptide inhibitors, the PKC-δ isoform was found to be involved in the up-regulation of IL-6 production. Inhibition of p38 by SB203580, and adenoviral transfer of dominant-negative p38 inhibited NECA-induced IL-6 production. Furthermore, PKC-δ functioned as an upstream regulator of p38 MAPK in this process.

Conclusions and implications:

We demonstrated a novel relationship between adenosine and IL-6 secretion, in that IL-6 secretion induced by NECA was mediated by adenosine A_2B receptor activation in CFs and was dependent on a PKCδ–P38 pathway.This article is commented on by Cohen et al., pp. 1595–1597 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00668.x     

Colocalization and regulated physical association of presynaptic serotonin transporters with A₃ adenosine receptors

Activation of A? adenosine receptors (A?ARs) rapidly enhances the activity of antidepressant-sensitive serotonin (5-HT) transporters (SERTs) in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. A?AR agonist stimulation of SERT activity is lost in A?AR knockout mice. A?AR-stimulated SERT activity is mediated by protein kinase G1 (PKGI)- and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-linked pathways that support, respectively, enhanced SERT surface expression and catalytic activation. The mechanisms by which A?ARs target SERTs among other potential effectors is unknown. Here we present evidence that A?ARs are coexpressed with SERT in midbrain serotonergic neurons and form a physical complex in A?AR/hSERT cotransfected cells. Treatment of A?AR/SERT-cotransfected Chinese hamster ovary cells with the A?AR agonist N?-(3-iodobenzyl)-N-methyl-5'-carbamoyladenosine (1 μM, 10 min), conditions previously reported to increase SERT surface expression and 5-HT uptake activity, enhanced the abundance of A?AR/SERT complexes in a PKGI-dependent manner. Cotransfection of SERT with L90V-A?AR, a hyperfunctional coding variant identified in subjects with autism spectrum disorder, resulted in a prolonged recovery of receptor/transporter complexes after A?AR activation. Because PKGI and nitric-oxide synthetase are required for A?AR stimulation of SERT activity, and proteins PKGI and NOS both form complexes with SERT, our findings suggest a mechanism by which signaling pathways coordinating A?AR signaling to SERT can be spatially restricted and regulated, as well as compromised by neuropsychiatric disorders.     

New insight into A₁ adenosine receptors in diabetes treatment

The A? adenosine receptors (A?AR), belonging to the rhodopsin-like superfamily of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), may regulate many various cellular processes in cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous systems. In addition, since A(1)AR possesses antilipolytic properties, numerous A?AR agonists and antagonists have been developed, but only some of them with the most promising selective properties in vitro have been advanced to animal studies and clinical trials. In this review, we have summarized the studies on the utility of A?AR selective agonists and antagonists in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and their potential therapeutic applications in diabetes.     

Effects of several 5′-carboxamide derivatives of adenosine on adenosine receptors of human platelets and rat fat cells

Summary The effects of several 5-carboxamide derivatives of adenosine on stimulatory (R _a) adenosine receptors of human platelets and inhibitory (R _i) adenosine receptors of rat fat cells have been compared. 5-N-Cyclopropylcarboxamidoadenosine (CPCA) and 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) most potently inhibited ADP-induced aggregation of human platelets as shown by IC₅₀-values of 0.24 and 0.34 mol/l. 5-N-Methylcarboxamidoadenosine (MECA; IC₅₀ 0.81 mol/l) and 5-N-carboxamidoadenosine (NCA; IC₅₀ 2.1 mol/l) were less potent, whereas adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine and (-)N⁶-phenylisopropyladenosine [(-)PIA] exhibit IC₅₀-values of about 1.5 mol/l. Nearly the same rank order of potency was obtained for stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity of platelet membranes and for inhibition of [³H]NECA binding to human platelets. In order to examine the effects of the carboxamide analogues on R _i adenosine receptors of rat fat cells inhibition of lipolysis and adenylate cyclase were studied. (-)PIA was the most potent inhibitor of lipolysis as shown by an IC₅₀ of 0.5 nmol/l, followed by CPCA (IC₅₀ 1.1 nmol/l) and NECA (IC₅₀ 1.3 nmol/l), whereas MECA (IC₅₀ 17.9 nmol/l) and NCA (IC₅₀ 20.1 nmol/l) were much less potent than NECA in inhibiting lipolysis. Similar results were obtained for inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity of fat cell membranes and for competition with [³H]PIA binding to fat cell membranes. The relative potencies of the adenosine analogues at both receptor subclasses were calculated from the ratio of the IC₅₀-values for inhibition of platelet aggregation and of lipolysis. (-)PIA showed the highest selectivity for R _i receptors as indicated by a 2,900-fold lower IC₅₀ for the antilipolytic than for the antiaggregatory effect. The R _a/R _i activity ratio for NECA was about 260, for CPCA 220, for NCA 105 and for MECA 45. These results indicate that all 5-carboxamide adenosine derivatives are more potent agonists at R _i receptors than at R _a receptors. Since MECA has a higher selectivity for R _a receptors than NECA, it may be useful for the characterization of stimulatory adenosine receptors in different tissues.     

8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) — a selective high affinity antagonist radioligand for A1 adenosine receptors

Summary The properties of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) as an antagonist ligand for A₁ adenosine receptors were examined and compared with other radioligands for this receptor. DPCPX competitively antagonized both the inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity via A₁ adenosine receptors and the stimulation via A₂ adenosine receptors. The K ₁-values of this antagonism were 0.45 nM at the A₁ receptor of rat fat cells, and 330 nM at the A₂ receptor of human platelets, giving a more than 700-fold A₁-selectivity. A similar Al-selectivity was determined in radioligand binding studies. Even at high concentrations, DPCPX did not significantly inhibit the soluble cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity of human platelets. [³H]DPCPX (105 Ci/mmol) bound in a saturable manner with high affinity to A₁ receptors in membranes of bovine brain and heart, and rat brain and fat cells (K _D-values 50–190 pM). Its nonspecific binding was about 1 % of total at KD, except in bovine myocardial membranes (about 10%). Binding studies with bovine myocardial membranes allowed the analysis of both the high and low agonist affinity states of this receptor in a tissue with low receptor density. The binding properties of [³H]DPCPX appear superior to those of other agonist and antagonist radioligands for the A₁ receptor.Abbreviations CHA N⁶-cyclohexyladenosine - DPX 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine - HPIA N⁶-p-hydroxyphenylisopropyladenosine - NECA, -N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine - PIA N⁶-phenylisopro-pyladenosine - XAC (xanthine amine congener) 8-{4-[([{(2aminoethyl)amino}carbonyl]methyl)oxy]phenyl-1,3-dipropyl-xanthine. 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine is abbreviated DPCPX (from 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine) Send offprint requests to M. J. Lohse at the above address     

The adenosine A(2A) receptor knockout mouse: a model for anxiety?

The main behavioural features of the adenosine A(2A) receptor knockout mouse include anxiety, aggressiveness in males and a paradoxical response to caffeine. These behavioural characteristics caused by the lack of adenosine A(2A) receptor function in mice correspond to the effects of functional antagonism of adenosine A(2A) receptors in humans and rodents. Increased anxiety in patients with panic disorder and increased psychotic symptomatology in patients with schizophrenia have been observed after caffeine administration. Several hypotheses have been developed suggesting a reduced adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated transmission as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Recent genetic studies, in particular of panic disorder, suggest an involvement of adenosine A(2A) receptor gene variation. If future studies prove a pathogenetic role for a genetically determined loss of A(2A) receptor function in psychiatric disorders, the A(2A) receptor knockout mouse will be a valuable model to develop novel pharmacological therapies for these disorders.     

Involvement of α-adrenoceptors in the excitatory effect of the A2 adenosine receptors agonist 5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) on cardiac automaticity in the isolated right ventricle of the rat

The effects of the non-selective A₂ adenosine receptor agonist 5-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA) were studied on ventricular automaticity induced by a local injury in the isolated right ventricle of the rat. In concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 nM, NECA significantly increased ventricular automaticity. This effect was not apparent when the nonselective -adrenoceptor blocker phenoxybenzamine was present at a concentration of 10 M, which antagonizes both ₁-and ₂-adrenoceptors, as well as when rats were pretreated with reserpine. In non-reserpinized rats, the excitatory effect of NECA was also abolished in the presence of the selective ₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, but not in the presence of the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan. In reserpinized rats, the excitatory effect of NECA was restored in the presence of the non specific -adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine as well as in the presence of the selective ₁-adrenoceptor agonist amidephrine but not in the presence of the selective ₂-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine. These results suggest that the excitatory effect of NECA on ectopic ventricular automaticity is dependent on endogenous catecholamines and that -adrenoceptors of type 1 are, in some way, involved in this effect.     

Functional interaction between pre-synaptic α6β2-containing nicotinic and adenosine A2A receptors in the control of dopamine release in the rat striatum

Background and Purpose

Pre-synaptic nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2ARs) are involved in the control of dopamine release and are putative therapeutic targets in Parkinson''s disease and addiction. Since A_2ARs have been reported to interact with nAChRs, here we aimed at mapping the possible functional interaction between A_2ARs and nAChRs in rat striatal dopaminergic terminals.

Experimental Approach

We pharmacologically characterized the release of dopamine and defined the localization of nAChR subunits in rat striatal nerve terminals in vitro and carried out locomotor behavioural sensitization in rats in vivo.

Key Results

In striatal nerve terminals, the selective A_2AR agonist {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGS21680","term_id":"878113053","term_text":"CGS21680"}}CGS21680 inhibited, while the A_2AR antagonist ZM241385 potentiated the nicotine-stimulated [³H]dopamine ([³H]DA) release. Upon blockade of the α6 subunit-containing nAChRs, the remaining nicotine-stimulated [³H]DA release was no longer modulated by A_2AR ligands. In the locomotor sensitization experiments, nicotine enhanced the locomotor activity on day 7 of repeated nicotine injection, an effect that no longer persisted after 1 week of drug withdrawal. Notably, ZM241385-injected rats developed locomotor sensitization to nicotine already on day 2, which remained persistent upon nicotine withdrawal.

Conclusions and Implications

These results provide the first evidence for a functional interaction between nicotinic and adenosine A_2AR in striatal dopaminergic terminals, with likely therapeutic consequences for smoking, Parkinson''s disease and other dopaminergic disorders.     

Are 5-HT(1B/1D) and 5-HT(2A/2B/2C) receptors involved in learning and memory processes?

Pharmacological data provide clear evidence that 5-HT(1B/1D) and 5-HT(2A/2B/2C )receptors are involved in the consolidation of learning.     

Hetero-oligomerization between adenosine A₁ and thromboxane A₂ receptors and cellular signal transduction on stimulation with high and low concentrations of agonists for both receptors

Growing evidence indicates that G protein-coupled receptors can form homo- and hetero-oligomers to diversify signal transduction. However, the molecular mechanisms and physiological significance of G protein-coupled receptor-oligomers are not fully understood. Both ADOR1 (adenosine A(1) receptor) and TBXA2R (thromboxane A(2) receptor α; TPα receptor), members of the G protein-coupled receptor family, act on astrocytes and renal mesangial cells, suggesting certain functional correlations. In this study, we explored the possibility that adenosine A(1) and TPα receptors form hetero-oligomers with novel pharmacological profiles. We showed that these receptors hetero-oligomerize by conducting coimmunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET(2)) assays in adenosine A(1) receptor and TPα receptor-cotransfected HEK293T cells. Furthermore, coexpression of the receptors affected signal transduction including the accumulation of cyclic AMP and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 and -2 was significantly increased by high and low concentrations of adenosine A(1) receptor agonist and TPα agonists, respectively. Our study provides evidence of hetero-oligomerization between adenosine A(1) and TPα receptors for the first time, and suggests that this oligomerization affects signal transduction responding to different concentrations of receptor agonists.     

Activation of adenosine A2A receptor reduces osteoclast formation via PKA- and ERK1/2-mediated suppression of NFκB nuclear translocation

Background and Purpose

We previously reported that adenosine, acting at adenosine A_2A receptors (A_2AR), inhibits osteoclast (OC) differentiation in vitro (A_2AR activation OC formation reduces by half) and in vivo. For a better understanding how adenosine A_2AR stimulation regulates OC differentiation, we dissected the signalling pathways involved in A_2AR signalling.

Experimental Approach

OC differentiation was studied as TRAP+ multinucleated cells following M-CSF/RANKL stimulation of either primary murine bone marrow cells or the murine macrophage line, RAW264.7, in presence/absence of the A_2AR agonist {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGS21680","term_id":"878113053","term_text":"CGS21680"}}CGS21680, the A_2AR antagonist ZM241385, PKA activators (8-Cl-cAMP 100 nM, 6-Bnz-cAMP) and the PKA inhibitor (PKI). cAMP was quantitated by EIA and PKA activity assays were carried out. Signalling events were studied in PKA knockdown (lentiviral shRNA for PKA) RAW264.7 cells (scrambled shRNA as control). OC marker expression was studied by RT-PCR.

Key Results

A_2AR stimulation increased cAMP and PKA activity which and were reversed by addition of ZM241385. The direct PKA stimuli 8-Cl-cAMP and 6-Bnz-cAMP inhibited OC maturation whereas PKI increased OC differentiation. A_2AR stimulation inhibited p50/p105 NFκB nuclear translocation in control but not in PKA KO cells. A_2AR stimulation activated ERK1/2 by a PKA-dependent mechanism, an effect reversed by ZM241385, but not p38 and JNK activation. A_2AR stimulation inhibited OC expression of differentiation markers by a PKA-mechanism.

Conclusions and Implications

A_2AR activation inhibits OC differentiation and regulates bone turnover via PKA-dependent inhibition of NFκB nuclear translocation, suggesting a mechanism by which adenosine could target bone destruction in inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis.     

Positive modulation of δ-subunit containing GABA(A) receptors in mouse neurons

δ-subunit containing extrasynaptic GABA_A receptors are potential targets for modifying neuronal activity in a range of brain disorders. With the aim of gaining more insight in synaptic and extrasynaptic inhibition, we used a new positive modulator, AA29504, of δ-subunit containing GABA_A receptors in mouse neurons in vitro and in vivo. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were carried out in the dentate gyrus in mouse brain slices. In granule cells, AA29504 (1 μM) caused a 4.2-fold potentiation of a tonic current induced by THIP (1 μM), while interneurons showed a potentiation of 2.6-fold. Moreover, AA29504 (1 μM) increased the amplitude and prolonged the decay of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in granule cells, and this effect was abolished by Zn²⁺ (15 μM). AA29504 (1 μM) also induced a small tonic current (12.7 ± 3.2 pA) per se, and when evaluated in a nominally GABA-free environment using Ca²⁺ imaging in cultured neurons, AA29504 showed GABA_A receptor agonism in the absence of agonist. Finally, AA29504 exerted dose-dependent stress-reducing and anxiolytic effects in mice in vivo. We propose that AA29504 potentiates δ-containing GABA_A receptors to enhance tonic inhibition, and possibly recruits perisynaptic δ-containing receptors to participate in synaptic phasic inhibition in dentate gyrus.     

Synthesis of 2-alkynyl substituted 4′-thioadenosine derivatives and their binding affinities at the adenosine receptors

On the basis of high binding affinity of 2-hexynyl-N(6)-methyladenosine and N(6)-substituted-4'-thioadenosine derivatives at the A3 adenosine receptor (AR), novel 2-alkynyl-substituted-N(6)-methyl-4'-thioadenosine derivatives, combining the characteristics of two classes of nucleosides were designed and synthesized from D-gulonic gamma-lactone via palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reaction as a key step. Among compounds tested, only compound 3b showed moderate binding affinity at the human A3 adenosine receptor without binding affinities at other subtypes.     

Domains for activation and inactivation in G protein-coupled receptors – A mutational analysis of constitutive activity of the adenosine A2B receptor

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a major drug target and can be activated by a range of stimuli, from photons to proteins. Most, if not all, GPCRs also display a basal level of biological response in the absence of such a stimulus. This level of so-called constitutive activity results from a delicate energy equilibrium that exists between the active and the inactive state of the receptor and is the first determinant in the GPCR activation mechanism. Here we describe new insights in specific regions of the adenosine A_2B receptor that are essential in activation and inactivation. We developed a new screening method using the MMY24 S. Cerevisiae strain by which we were able to screen for constitutively inactive mutants receptors (CIMs). We applied this screening method on a mutagenic library of the adenosine A_2B receptor, where random mutations were introduced in transmembrane domains four and five (TM4 and TM5) linked by extracellular loop 2 (EL2). The screen resulted in the identification of 22 single and double mutant receptors, all showing a decrease in constitutive activity as well as in agonist potency. By comparing these results with a previous screen of the same mutagenic library for constitutively active mutant receptors (CAMs), we discovered specific regions in this G protein-coupled receptor involved in either inactivation or activation or both. The results suggest the activation mechanism of GPCRs to be much less restricted to sites of high conservation or direct interaction with the ligand or G protein and illustrate how dynamic the activation process of GPCRs is.     

2-Aminoethyl methylphosphonate, a potent and rapidly acting antagonist of GABA(A)-ρ1 receptors

2-Aminoethyl methylphosphonate (2-AEMP), an analog of GABA, has been found to exhibit antagonist activity at GABA(A)-ρ1 (also known as ρ1 GABA(C)) receptors. The present study was undertaken to elucidate 2-AEMP's action and to test the activities of 2-AEMP analogs. Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to record membrane currents in neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with human GABA(A)-ρ1 receptors. The action of 2-AEMP was compared with that of 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA), a commonly used GABA(A)-ρ1 antagonist. With 10 μM GABA, 2-AEMP's IC(50) (18 μM) differed by less than 2.5-fold from that of TPMPA (7 μM), and results obtained were consistent with a primarily competitive mode of inhibition by 2-AEMP. Terminating the presentation of 2-AEMP or TPMPA in the presence of GABA produced a release from inhibition. However, the rate of inhibition release upon the termination of 2-AEMP considerably exceeded that determined with termination of TPMPA. Moreover, when presented at concentrations near their respective IC(50) values, the preincubation period associated with 2-AEMP's onset of inhibition was much shorter than that for TPMPA. Analogs of 2-AEMP possessing a benzyl or n-butyl rather than a methyl substituent at the phosphorus atom, as well as analogs bearing a C-methyl substituent on the aminoethyl side chain, exhibited reduced potency relative to 2-AEMP. Of these analogs, only (R)-2-aminopropyl methylphosphonate significantly diminished the response to 10 μM GABA. Structure-activity relationships are discussed in the context of molecular modeling of ligand binding to the antagonist binding site of the GABA(A)-ρ1 receptor.     

Structure-activity relationships of truncated C2- or C8-substituted adenosine derivatives as dual acting A₂A and A₃ adenosine receptor ligands

Truncated N(6)-substituted-4'-oxo- and 4'-thioadenosine derivatives with C2 or C8 substitution were studied as dual acting A(2A) and A(3) adenosine receptor (AR) ligands. The lithiation-mediated stannyl transfer and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions were utilized for functionalization of the C2 position of 6-chloropurine nucleosides. An unsubstituted 6-amino group and a hydrophobic C2 substituent were required for high affinity at the hA(2A)AR, but hydrophobic C8 substitution abolished binding at the hA(2A)AR. However, most of synthesized compounds displayed medium to high binding affinity at the hA(3)AR, regardless of C2 or C8 substitution, and low efficacy in a functional cAMP assay. Several compounds tended to be full hA(2A)AR agonists. C2 substitution probed geometrically through hA(2A)AR docking was important for binding in order of hexynyl > hexenyl > hexanyl. Compound 4g was the most potent ligand acting dually as hA(2A)AR agonist and hA(3)AR antagonist, which might be useful for treatment of asthma or other inflammatory diseases.     

Studies on the interaction between presynaptic α2-adrenoceptors and adenosine A1 receptors located on noradrenergic nerve terminals

Summary The aim of the present study was to obtain a more detailed understanding of the interaction between presynaptic ₂-adrenoceptors and A₁ adenosine receptors mediating inhibition of noradrenaline release in the central nervous system. Slices of rabbit hippocampus, prelabelled with [³H]noradrenaline, were superfused in the presence of the re-uptake inhibitor (+)-oxaprotiline and electrically stimulated during superfusion. During stimulation with 36 pulses at 3 Hz the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine induced a five-fold increase of noradrenaline release indicating a pronounced autoinhibition of approximately 80%. In these experiments the inhibition of release caused by R-PIA, a preferential A₁ agonist, as well as its facilitation caused by DPCPX, a selective A₁ antagonist, were smaller in comparison to the effects of these compounds on release virtually free of autoinhibition (i. e. by stimulating the tissue with 4 pulses at 100 Hz (POP-stimulation) or with 36 pulses at 3 Hz in presence of yohimbine). Clonidine, an ₂-adrenoceptor agonist, was used to impose a distinct ₂-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of release elicited by POP-stimulation. Only, however, in the presence of 30 nmol/l clonidine, causing maximum inhibition of approximately 80% of ³H-overflow, but not in the presence of 6 nmol/l clonidine, causing approximately 50% inhibition, a significant diminution of the inhibitory effect of R-PIA was seen. Similarly, the ₂-adrenoceptor mechanism was affected only by 10 mol/l R-PIA causing maximum inhibition of approximately 80%, but remained unchanged in the presence of 30 nmol/l R-PIA diminishing release by 50%. In addition, the ₂-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition remained unaffected in the presence of DPCPX, indicating that the concentration of endogenous adenosine attained was not sufficient to influence the ₂-adrenoceptor mechanism. In conclusion, the present results suggest that activation of the presynaptic ₂ and A₁ receptors inhibits depolarization-induced noradrenaline release in an additive manner. Only extensive (near maximal or maximal) activation of one receptor mechanism impairs the inhibition due to activation of the other. Send offprint requests to C. Allgaier at the above address     

Role of the A2B receptor–adenosine deaminase complex in colonic dysmotility associated with bowel inflammation in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Adenosine A_2B receptors regulate several physiological enteric functions. However, their role in the pathophysiology of intestinal dysmotility associated with inflammation has not been elucidated. Hence, we investigated the expression of A_2B receptors in rat colon and their role in the control of cholinergic motility in the presence of bowel inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Colitis was induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). Colonic A_2B receptor expression and localization were examined by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The interaction between A_2B receptors and adenosine deaminase was assayed by immunoprecipitation. The role of A_2B receptors in the control of colonic motility was examined in functional experiments on longitudinal muscle preparations (LMPs).

KEY RESULTS

A_2B receptor mRNA was present in colon from both normal and DNBS-treated rats but levels were increased in the latter. A_2B receptors were predominantly located in the neuromuscular layer, but, in the presence of colitis, were increased mainly in longitudinal muscle. Functionally, the A_2B receptor antagonist MRS 1754 enhanced both electrically-evoked and carbachol-induced cholinergic contractions in normal LMPs, but was less effective in inflamed tissues. The A_2B receptor agonist NECA decreased colonic cholinergic motility, with increased efficacy in inflamed LMP. Immunoprecipitation and functional tests revealed a link between A_2B receptors and adenosine deaminase, which colocalize in the neuromuscular compartment.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Under normal conditions, endogenous adenosine modulates colonic motility via A_2B receptors located in the neuromuscular compartment. In the presence of colitis, this inhibitory control is impaired due to a link between A_2B receptors and adenosine deaminase, which catabolizes adenosine, thus preventing A_2B receptor activation.