A1 adenosine receptor activation inhibits inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice

It was previously demonstrated that preischemic A(1) adenosine receptor (AR) activation protects renal function after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. The role of the A(1) AR in modulating inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis in the kidney after IR renal injury was further characterized. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 30 min of renal ischemia, with or without pretreatment with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine or 2- chlorocyclopentyladenosine (selective A(1) AR antagonist and agonist, respectively). Plasma creatinine levels and renal inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis were compared 24 h after renal injury. C57BL/6 mice that had been pretreated with the A(1) AR agonist demonstrated significantly improved renal function and reduced expression of inflammatory markers, necrosis, and apoptosis 24 h after IR injury. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice that had been pretreated with the A(1) AR antagonist demonstrated significantly worsened renal function and increased expression of inflammatory markers, necrosis, and apoptosis. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that endogenous and exogenous preischemic activation of the A(1) AR protects against IR injury in vivo, through mechanisms that reduce inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis.