Adenosine exerts multiple effects in dorsal horn neurones of the adult rat spinal cord.
In the present study, we have examined the effects of adenosine and its analogues on the electrophysiological properties of dorsal horn neurones in the rat adult spinal cord. Adenosine and the A1 receptor agonist R-phenylisopropyl adenosine (RPIA) reversibly hyperpolarised these neurones via the generation of an outward current at -60 mV that was inhibited by pre-application of barium or Rp-adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine. In contrast, the A2a receptor agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS21680) had no effect on the resting membrane properties of these neurones. Stimulation of the dorsal root evoked non-NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at -60 mV that were completely abolished by 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulophamoyl-benzo(F)quinoxalone (NBQX). Bath application of adenosine or RPIA reversibly inhibited these EPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner via a presynaptic action. In contrast, CGS21680 increased the amplitude of the EPSC in 20% of neurones tested and decreased the EPSC amplitude in 30% of neurones tested. It is concluded that adenosine exerts multiple effects upon the electrophysiological properties of dorsal horn neurones in the adult spinal cord via interaction with multiple receptors. These findings have important implications in the understanding of adenosine action in preclinical models of pain.
Patel
M K
MK
Pfizer Global Research and Development, Cambridge Laboratories, Cambridge University Forvie Site, CB2 2QB, Cambridge, UK.
Pinnock
R D
RD
Lee
K
K
D000241:Adenosine / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004594:Electrophysiology; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D020671:Posterior Horn Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D043705:Receptor, Adenosine A2A; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects
D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D043705:Receptor, Adenosine A2A; D000241:Adenosine