Effects of chronic administration of adenosine antagonists on adenosine A1 and A2a receptors in mouse brain.

Abstract

In the present study the effects of chronic in vivo treatments with caffeine and more selective antagonists (PACPX and PD115,199) on the binding parameters of 3H-CHA and 3H-NECA to cortical A1 and striatal A2a adenosine receptors of mouse brain are shown. The drugs were injected intraperitoneally once a day for 6 or 20 days. Treatment for 20 days with caffeine (250 mumol/kg), PD115,199 (50-250 nmol/kg) and PACPX (250 nmol/kg) shifted the A1 low affinity receptors into an agonist-specific high affinity state. Moreover, after 20 days of treatment, the antagonists decreased the affinity of 3H-CHA to A1 receptors in the high affinity state. Antagonist treatments for 6 days did not modify the 3H-CHA binding parameters. The A2a striatal receptors were dose- and time-dependently up-regulated by caffeine and PD115,199, whereas PACPX displayed an up-regulation independent of dose or length of treatment. Moreover, PD115,199 decreased the affinity of 3H-NECA to A2a striatal receptors. This effect on affinity was visible after 20 days of treatment with 50 and 250 nmol/kg. This study provides evidence for a sensitivity of A2a receptors greater than that of A1 receptors and for a different regulation of cortical A1 and striatal A2a adenosine receptors of mouse brain after chronic treatment with antagonists.