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Biomedical subjects

J N Wells

Publications and source records attributed to J N Wells.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Inhibition of human mast cell activation with the novel selective adenosine A(2B) receptor antagonist 3-isobutyl-8-pyrrolidinoxanthine (IPDX)(2).

The antiasthmatic drug enprofylline was the first known selective, though not potent, A(2B) antagonist. On the basis of structure-activity relationships (SARs) of xanthine derivatives, we designed a novel selective adenosine A(2B) receptor antagonist, 3-isobutyl-8-pyrrolidinoxanthine (IPDX), with potency greater than that of enprofylline. IPDX displaced [3H]ZM241385 ([3H]4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a]-[1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol) from human A(2B) adenosine receptors with a K(i) value of 470 +/- 2 nM and inhibited A(2B)-dependent cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells with a K(B) value of 625 +/- 71 nM. We found that IPDX was more selective than enprofylline toward human A(2B) receptors. It was 38-, 55-, and 82-fold more selective for human A(2B) than for human A(1) (K(i) value of 24 +/- 8 microM), human A(2A) (K(B) value of 36 +/- 8 microM), and human A(3) (K(i) value of 53 +/- 10 microM) adenosine receptors, respectively. IPDX inhibited NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine)-induced interleukin-8 secretion in human mast cells (HMC-1) with a potency close to that determined for A(2B)-mediated cAMP accumulation in HEL cells, thus confirming the role of A(2B) adenosine receptors in mediating human mast cell activation. Since adenosine triggers bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients through human mast cell activation, IPDX may become a basis for the development of new antiasthmatic drugs with improved properties compared with those of enprofylline. Our data demonstrate that IPDX can be used as a tool to differentiate between A(2B) and other adenosine receptor-mediated responses.

Adenosine↗

Psychometric evaluation of Breast Health Behavior Questionnaire: Spanish version.

The purpose of the study was to test the psychometric properties of a culturally sensitive and theory-based instrument: the Breast Health Behavior Questionnaire. This instrument was translated into Spanish and back-translated at a third- to fourth-grade reading level. The pilot group consisted of 70 Hispanic women who attended a class at a local church. Subsequent to pilot testing, another 40 Hispanic women who attended a class at the local health department comprised the study sample. The participants responded to the 15-item questionnaire, which is formatted as a Likert scale. Content validity of the Breast Health Behavior Questionnaire was determined by a panel of experts. A factor analysis of this instrument showed five separate dimensions accounting for 71.82% of the instrument's variance. The three major components of self-regulation theory (schema, coping, and appraisal criteria) were found clustered within the first three dimensions after three items were discarded. The Breast Health Behavior Questionnaire demonstrated an internal consistency reliability coefficient of .7172. The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of this questionnaire warrant further research. The instrument may support a better understanding of the Hispanic woman's practice of breast health behavior. Eventually, the Breast Health Behavior Questionnaire may assist nurses in the formulation of culturally grounded interventions.

Adult↗

Helping patients manage cancer-related fatigue.

Fatigue is the most common side effect of cancer treatment, yet is sometimes ignored by healthcare professionals. Home care and hospice nurses work closely with patients and families experiencing the overwhelming impact fatigue has on a patient's quality of life. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of the causes of cancer-related fatigue and the interventions to be considered.

Fatigue↗

Determination of amino acid residues that are accessible from the ligand binding crevice in the seventh transmembrane-spanning region of the human A(1) adenosine receptor.

The substituted-cysteine accessibility method (SCAM) was applied to transmembrane span seven of the human A(1) adenosine receptor (hA(1)AR) to reveal a subset of amino acids that are exposed to the ligand-binding crevice. The SCAM approach involved a systematic probe of receptor structure by individual substitutions of residues K265 (7.30) to R296 (7.61) with cysteine. In most cases, hA(1)AR substituted-cysteine mutant membranes displayed antagonist dissociation binding constants that did not differ significantly from wild-type (WT). Radioligand binding assays were used to compare cell membranes that were treated with hydrophilic, sulfhydryl-specific methanethiosulfonate derivatives with control cell membranes. Position H278 was previously reported to be required for A(1)AR ligand binding; however, that report did not establish that H278 represents a contact point for ligands. Cysteine-substitution at H278 yields membrane preparations with greatly decreased receptor density compared with WT membranes from cells in the same transfection experiment. However, H278C membranes retain a measurable fraction of antagonist binding. This observation allows for the investigation of binding-crevice accessibility at position 278 and suggests that H278 may not be required for binding of antagonist ligands. Our data reveal the binding-crevice accessibility of residues T270 (7.35), A273 (7.38), I274 (7.39), T277 (7.42), H278 (7.43), N284 (7.49), and Y288 (7.53) in the hA(1)AR. These data are consistent with the high-resolution structure of bovine rhodopsin that features three alpha-helical turns in this region that are interrupted by an elongated, nonhelical structure from positions 7.43 to 7.48 in the primary amino acid sequence.

Animals↗

Serine and alanine mutagenesis of the nine native cysteine residues of the human A(1) adenosine receptor.

To examine the importance of the nine native cysteine residues in the human A(1) adenosine receptor, each cysteine was individually mutated to both serine and alanine. Saturation binding with the A(1) selective antagonist [(3)H]DPCPX [8-cyclopentyl-1,3-di(2, 3-(3)H-propyl)xanthine] resulted in a wild-type K(d) value of 0.92 nM. All serine and alanine mutants had similar K(d) values with the exception of serine/alanine mutations at Cys80 and Cys169. These two cysteine residues, which are highly conserved in G protein-coupled receptors and hypothesized to be linked through a disulfide bridge, demonstrated no detectable binding with [(3)H]DPCPX. Both serine and alanine mutations at residues Cys80 and Cys169 resulted in receptors that were not detectable at the cell surface, as visualized by immunostaining. The serine/alanine mutants that did bind [(3)H]DPCPX were characterized further through competition binding with the antagonist theophylline and the agonists NECA (5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) and R-PIA [(R)N(6)-phenylisopropyl adenosine]. The wild-type theophylline K(i) value was 2.41 microM, with the serine/alanine mutants having similar values. Wild-type NECA and R-PIA K(i) values were 0.74 microM and 97.0 nM, respectively. All mutants had K(i) values similar to wild-type with the exception of the Cys85Ser mutant, which had NECA and R-PIA values of 9.30 microM and 387.3 nM, respectively. These data show that Cys80 and Cys169 are absolutely required for delivery of the receptor to the plasma membrane. The Cys85Ser data indicate that although a cysteine is not required at this position, this residue may have an important role in ligand binding or for the structure of the receptor.

Alanine↗

A photoaffinity probe covalently modifies the catalytic site of the cGMP-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE-5).

The cGMP-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) contains distinct catalytic and allosteric binding sites, and each is cGMP-specific. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), are believed to compete with cyclic nucleotides at the catalytic sites of these enzymes, but the portion of PDE-5 that accounts for interaction of either of these inhibitors of the substrates themselves with the catalytic domain of the enzymes has not been identified. IBMX was derivatized to yield the photoaffinity probe 8([3-125I,-4-azido]-benzyl)-IBMX, which is referred to as 8(125IAB)-IBMX. This probe was incubated with partially purified recombinant bovine PDE-5. After UV irradiation and SDS-PAGE, a single radiolabeled band that coincided with the position of PDE-5 was visualized on the gel, and the photoaffinity labeling of PDE-5 was linear with increasing concentration of the 8(125IAB)-IBMX. Prominent Coomassie blue-stained bands other than PDE-5 were not labeled significantly. The photoaffinity labeling was progressively blocked by cGMP at concentrations higher than 10 microM, whereas cAMP or 5'-GMP exhibited only weak inhibitory effects. Other compounds that are believed to interact with the PDE-5 catalytic site, including IBMX, cIMP, and beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-cGMP (PET-cGMP), also inhibited the photoaffinity labeling in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 of PET-cGMP for inhibition of photoaffinity labeling was 10 microM, which compared favorably with an IC50 of 5 microM for inhibition of PDE-5 catalytic activity by this compound. It is concluded that the interaction of this photoaffinity probe with PDE-5 is highly specific for the catalytic site over the allosteric binding sites of PDE-5 and could prove useful in studies to map the catalytic site of PDE-5.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Receptors coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins traffic to opposite surfaces in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A1 adenosine receptors achieve apical and alpha 2A adrenergic receptors achieve basolateral localization.

The alpha 2A adrenergic receptor (alpha 2AAR) previously was shown to be directly delivered to and retained on the lateral subdomain of renal epithelial cells. The present studies demonstrate that, in contrast, wild-type and epitope-tagged canine A1 adenosine receptors (A1AdoR) are apically enriched (65-83%) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCKII) and porcine renal epithelial (LLC-PKI) cells, based on surface biotinylation strategies detecting photoaffinity-labeled A1AdoR. Confocal microscopy corroborated the apical enrichment of the epitopetagged A1AdoR. Metabolic labeling studies revealed that this steady-state polarization is achieved by direct delivery to both the apical (60-75%) and basolateral surface. Growth of A1AdoR-expressing cells as monolayers presence of A1AdoR antagonists, which decreased cell growth, suggesting that A1AdoR elicit MDCKII cell proliferation. The preferential apical but detectable basolateral localization of A1AdoR provides a molecular understanding of published reports that functional responses can be elicited following apical as well as basolateral delivery of adenosine agonists in varying renal preparations. These findings also suggest that receptor chimeras derived from the Gi/Go-protein-coupled alpha 2AAR and A1AdoR will be informative in revealing structural features critical for basolateral versus apical targeting.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Covalent modification of transmembrane span III of the A1 adenosine receptor with an antagonist photoaffinity probe.

Structure-based design of subtype-selective ligands for the A1 adenosine receptor will require a reliable model of the ligand-binding pocket. It should be possible to develop a reliable model based on the results of affinity labeling experiments that provide atomic coordinates for the ligand in relation to predicted receptor helices. A high affinity, A1-selective xanthine antagonist photoaffinity probe, 125l-3-(4-azidophenethyl)-1-propyl-B-cyclopentylxanthine, was used to covalently modify the A1 receptor. Chemical or enzymatic fragmentation experiments were performed to localize the region or regions of incorporation within the receptor. The fragmentation profiles for radiolabeled A1 receptor obtained with endoproteinase Glu-C, endoproteinase Lys-C, cyanogen bromide, and hydroxylamine were consistent with the interpretation that the covalent linkage was within the first four predicted transmembrane regions. This interpretation was confirmed by the demonstration that the radioactive endoproteinase Glu-C fragment derived from an A1 receptor that contains an amino-terminal FLAG epitope was recognized by an anti-FLAG monoclonal antibody. Sequential digestion with endoproteinase Glu-C/endoproteinase Lys-C limited the possible labeling to the first three predicted transmembrane spans, and endoproteinase Glu-C/trypsin digestion refined this prediction to include only transmembrane spans III and IV. Taken together, our findings suggest that the adenosine antagonist 125l-3-(4-azidophenethyl)-1-propyl-8-cyclopentyl-xanthine covalently modifies transmembrane III of the A1 receptor because this was the only receptor region common to all radiolabeled fragments.

Affinity Labels↗

Contraction of isolated porcine coronary arteries is inhibited by high concentrations of propranolol.

Isometric tension responses of isolated porcine coronary artery rings were studied in the presence of concentrations of propranolol higher than those necessary to block effects mediated by beta-adrenergic receptors. Propranolol (50-300 microM) inhibited contractions induced by 30 mM KCl and by histamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine in a concentration-dependent, noncompetitive fashion. The (+) propranolol isomer and the racemic mixture were equipotent inhibitors of contraction. Propranolol inhibition was partly reversed by increased extracellular Ca++. These effects of propranolol thus appeared to be independent of beta-blockade and could be relevant to some of the drug's observed but still unexplained in vivo actions.

Acetylcholine↗

A carboxyl-terminally truncated mutant and nonglycosylated A2a adenosine receptors retain ligand binding.

The amino acids that comprise the ligand binding sites of adenosine receptors have not been identified. Adenosine and its agonist analogues differ from ligands for the well studied biogenic amine receptors and rhodopsin in that the adenosine receptor agonists are larger, contain a ribose moiety, and are uncharged at physiological pH. Thus, the locations of the ligand binding pockets of the adenosine receptors could differ significantly from those of the biogenic amine receptors. This report describes the characterization of a purification-amenable truncated mutant of the canine A2a adenosine receptor and demonstrates that neither the long carboxyl-terminal tail nor the glycosidic moiety appears to be required for ligand binding. The dog thyroid A2a adenosine receptor cDNA (RDC8) was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pCMV4. A mutant A2a construct, in which six histidines replaced residues 310-412 as the carboxyl terminus of the protein, also was prepared. When overexpressed transiently in COS M6 cells, the wild-type and mutant A2a receptors exhibited similar 2-[p-(2-[3H]carboxyethyl)phenylethylamino]-5'-N- ethylcarboxamidoadenosine saturation binding and competition curve profiles. The following biochemical techniques confirmed that the COS M6 cells were transcribing and translating A2a receptors of the expected molecular masses: (a) immunoblotting with an antipeptide antibody directed against the putative carboxyl-terminal side of the second extracellular loop (Tyr155-Val172) of the canine A2a adenosine receptor, (b) photoaffinity labeling with the A2a-selective agonist 125I-2-[4-[2-[2-[(4-azidophenyl)methylcarbonylamino] ethylaminocarbonyl]ethyl]phenyl]ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoad enosine (125I-azido-PAPA-APEC), and (c) partial purification of the hexahistidine-tagged receptor on Ni2+.nitrilotriacetic acid resin. A presumed A2a receptor (44 kDa) from rabbit striatal membranes also was detected with the antisera against amino acids Tyr155-Val172 of the RDC8 receptor. Not only could the mutant A2a receptor be photolabeled specifically with 125I-azido-PAPA-APEC but so too could unglycosylated A2a receptors (i.e., from tunicamycin-treated COS M6 cells), either full length or truncated. In all of these cases, photolabeling was attenuated by both agonist and antagonist competitors.

Adenosine↗

125I-2-[4-[2-[2-[(4-azidophenyl)methylcarbonylamino] ethylaminocarbonyl]ethyl]phenyl] ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine labels transmembrane span V of the A2a adenosine receptor.

We have shown previously that 125I-2-[4-[2-[2-[(4-azidophenyl)methylcarbonylamino] ethylaminocarbonyl]ethyl]phenyl] ethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (125I-azido-PAPA-APEC) specifically and selectively photolabels RDC8 A2a adenosine receptors that have been overexpressed in COS M6 cells. Glycosylated, 125I-azido-PAPA-APEC-labeled, wild-type (412 residues; 45,031 Da) and carboxyl-terminally truncated (315 residues; 35,427 Da) receptors migrate with apparent molecular masses of > 40 and 31.5 kDa, respectively, whereas unglycosylated or deglycosylated wild-type and truncated A2a receptors migrate with apparent molecular masses of 40 and 28.5 kDa, respectively. Because nonspecific photoincorporation is not a complication, the present peptide mapping studies of the full length and truncated canine A2a adenosine receptors were carried out on unpurified COS M6 membrane preparations. After partial proteolysis it became clear that glycosylation increased the apparent molecular mass of either the wild-type or mutant A2a receptor by approximately 3 kDa. Although the A2a receptor was readily cleaved by a variety of chemical reagents and proteases, trypsin and endoproteinase Glu-C generated the most reproducible and, in the case of trypsin, the most complete fragmentation patterns. Radiolabeled peptides were identified by their apparent molecular masses, (in)abilities to be recognized by an antipeptide antibody to amino acids Tyr155-Val172 of the presumed second extracellular loop of the receptor, and (in)sensitivities to endoglycosidase F and tunicamycin treatments. A prominent, 7-kDa, radiolabeled peptide that was generated by trypsin digestion implicated putative alpha-helix V in the binding of 125I-azido-PAPA-APEC.

Adenosine↗

Relaxation of pig coronary arteries by new and potent cGMP analogs that selectively activate type I alpha, compared with type I beta, cGMP-dependent protein kinase.

Smooth muscle preparations of human aorta or pig coronary arteries contain nearly equal amounts of cGMP-dependent protein kinase isozymes (cGMP kinase I alpha and I beta). In order to understand the roles of these isozymes in relaxing vascular smooth muscle, several new cGMP analogs were synthesized and tested for potencies in activating each enzyme and in relaxing pig coronary arteries. Analogs modified with a derivatized phenylthio group at the 8-position were as much as 72-fold more potent in activating purified cGMP kinase I alpha than cGMP kinase I beta. Electron-donating substituents, such as hydroxy, amino, and methoxy, on the phenyl ring enhanced the potencies of these analogs in activating cGMP kinase I alpha. The most potent of these cGMP analogs [8-(4-hydroxyphenylthio)-cGMP] was 17 times more potent (EC50 = 1.1 microM) as a muscle relaxant than the most efficacious analog tested previously. Among derivatives with an 8-halo group, 8-iodo-cGMP was the most potent compound (Ka = 9 nM for I alpha and 122 nM for I beta) for both I alpha and I beta. Analogs modified at the 1,N2-position or at both the 1,N2-and 8-positions of cGMP were highly potent for activating both isozymes. Within this group, 8-I-beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-cGMP had Ka values of 22 nM and 17 nM for cGMP kinase I alpha and I beta, respectively, whereas the Ka values of cGMP were 110 nM and 250 nM for the two isozymes. 8-I-beta-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-cGMP was the most potent muscle relaxant tested, with EC50 of 0.4 microM. For all cGMP analogs tested, there was a positive correlation between potency for activation of cGMP kinase I alpha and that for relaxation of pig coronary arteries. Assuming that the kinase assay conditions yielded a cyclic nucleotide specificity similar to that which would exist in intact cells, it was concluded that the cGMP kinase I alpha isozyme mediates the relaxation of pig coronary artery smooth muscle caused by cGMP elevation. However, an additional role for cGMP kinase I beta in the relaxation process could not be ruled out.

Animals↗

Evidence for essential histidine and cysteine residues in calcium/calmodulin-sensitive cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase.

Ca/calmodulin-sensitive cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (CaM-PDE) is an important enzyme regulating cGMP levels and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. This modification study was conducted mostly with bovine brain CaM-PDE to identify essential functional groups involved in catalysis. The effect of pH on Vmax/Km indicates two essential residues with pKa values of 6.4 and 8.2. Diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEP), a histidine-modifying agent, inhibits CaM-PDE with a second-order rate constant of 130 M-1 min-1 at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees C. Activity is restored by NH2OH. The pH dependence of inactivation reveals that the essential residue modified by DEP has an apparent pKa of 6.5. The difference spectrum of the intact and DEP-treated enzyme shows a maximum between 230 and 240 nm, suggesting formation of carbethoxy derivatives of histidine. The enzyme is also inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), both sulfhydryl-modifying agents, with the latter effect reversed by dithiothreitol, which suggests inactivation resulting from modification of cysteine residue(s). Partial inactivation of the enzyme by DEP or NEM results in an apparent decrease in the Vmax without a change in the Km or the extent of CaM stimulation. The rate of inactivation by DEP is greater in the presence than in the absence of Ca/CaM. A substrate analogue, Br-cGMP, and the competitive inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine partially protect the enzyme against inactivation by DEP or NEM, suggesting that the modification of histidine and cysteine residues occurs at or near the active site. DEP also inactivated porcine brain CaM-PDE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

A synthetic pseudosubstrate peptide of protein kinase C inhibits the phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate effect on permeabilized coronary artery smooth muscle.

We have studied the effects of a synthetic peptide that is based on the autoinhibitory domain of protein kinase C on tension development in detergent-permeabilized coronary artery smooth muscle. This peptide inhibited two forms of protein kinase C that were isolated from the coronary artery media layer by hydroxylapatite chromatography, with apparent Ki values in the 5-8 microM range. Contractions induced by calcium in the permeabilized arteries were not affected by the peptide (30 microM). Potentiation of calcium-induced contractions by 1 microM phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate was partially inhibited by 10 microM peptide and was completely abolished by 30 microM peptide. These results indicate that phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate potentiates calcium-induced contractions of permeabilized coronary arteries by activation of protein kinase C, but activated protein kinase C is not a requirement for the induction of contractions by calcium alone.

Animals↗

Structure-activity relationships of 8-cycloalkyl-1,3-dipropylxanthines as antagonists of adenosine receptors.

8-Substituted xanthines currently represent the most potent class of adenosine-receptor antagonists. A series of 8-substituted 1,3-dipropylxanthines was prepared and their potency as antagonists of A1 and A2 adenosine receptors of human platelets and rat adipocytes, respectively, were determined. No agents studied were as potent as 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine as antagonists of the A1 adenosine receptor, but 8-(2-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3-dipropylxanthine was at least 1000-fold more potent as an antagonist of A1 than of A2 adenosine receptors. While most substitutions on the 8-cycloalkyl moiety caused decreased potency to inhibit both A1 and A2 adenosine receptors, 8-[trans-4-(acetamidomethyl)cyclohexyl]-1,3-dipropylxanthine was nearly equipotent as an antagonist of the two receptors and appeared to be the most potent antagonist of A2 adenosine receptors reported to date.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Endogenous adenosine restrains renin release in conscious rats.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that endogenous adenosine functions to restrain the renin release response to pharmacological and pathophysiological stimuli. To achieve this objective, we examined the effects of an adenosine receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-(p-sulfophenyl)xanthine (DPSPX), on the renin release response induced by acute administration of hydralazine or by chronic clipping of the left renal artery (renovascular hypertensive rats). In conscious, unrestrained rats, DPSPX significantly increased plasma renin activity (PRA) in control rats, in rats treated with hydralazine, and in renovascular hypertensive rats. The effect of DPSPX on PRA was significantly greater in rats treated with hydralazine or in renovascular hypertensive rats compared with control rats. DPSPX did not influence arterial blood pressure in any group, did not affect the measurement of PRA, and did not alter the elimination of renin activity from the circulation. Additional experiments were performed in the in situ autoperfused kidney so that the effects of DPSPX on renal hemodynamics and renal excretory function could be assessed. In this experimental model, DPSPX also increased PRA in hydralazine-treated rats and in renovascular hypertensive rats without affecting arterial pressure, renal blood flow, or sodium excretion. In a final set of studies in conscious, unrestrained rats, adenosine deaminase increased PRA in a dose-dependent manner in hydralazine-treated rats and significantly increased the slope of the relation between PRA and the depressor response to hydralazine. We conclude: 1) Although the kidney has both A1 and A2 adenosine receptors mediating inhibitory and stimulatory actions, respectively, on renin release, the dominant effect of endogenous adenosine on renin release is inhibitory. 2) Even under basal physiological conditions, endogenous adenosine tonically inhibits renin release. 3) This inhibitory effect is augmented whenever the renin-angiotensin system is stimulated regardless of the approach used to activate renin release. 4) Endogenous adenosine negatively modulates renin release by a direct effect on juxtaglomerular cells.

Adenine↗

The effects of chronic caffeine administration on peripheral adenosine receptors.

Rat platelets and adipocytes were used as models to investigate alterations of the A2- and of the A1-adenosine receptor-adenylate cyclase system of peripheral cells caused by chronic caffeine administration. The maximum effects of 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in suspensions of platelet membranes and to inhibit aggregation were significantly greater with platelets from caffeine-treated rats than from control rats. The effects of 1 to 100 nM prostaglandin E1 to inhibit platelet aggregation and to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity in platelet membranes were also significantly greater with caffeine-treated than with control rats. These data suggest that the increased ability of NECA to inhibit platelet aggregation after chronic caffeine ingestion was a result of increased cyclic AMP accumulation induced by this agonist. The increased stimulatory effect of NECA on adenylate cyclase in platelet membranes could be due to an increased A2-adenosine receptor number and/or an increased functional coupling between A2-adenosine receptor and stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding proteins. In contrast, although A1-receptor number was 37% higher in fat cell membranes from caffeine-treated rats than in those from control rats, increased A1-adenosine receptor-mediated inhibition of lipolysis and of adenylate cyclase was not detected. Thus, chronic caffeine consumption causes alterations in the response of some but not all peripheral cell types to agonists of adenosine receptors.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗