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Therapeutic Perspectives of Adenosine Receptor Compounds in Functional Restitution After Spinal Cord Injury

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Adenosine

Abstract

Adenosine is a nucleoside that occurs naturally in mammalian tissues. It is a neuromodulator that is involved in a variety of physiological processes. It is generally accepted that the effects of adenosine are mediated through four G-protein-coupled receptors classified as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 Rs. There is evidence that following traumatic injury in the brain and/or spinal cord excessive amounts of adenosine are released, and that this neuromodulator is involved in inflammatory processes and subsequent secondary effects of the injury. There is also evidence that excessive release of adenosine contributes to progressive neuronal injury and eventual loss of function. In several experimental animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI) pharmacologic manipulation of adenosine receptors following trauma can be beneficial in restoration of function.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the roles of adenosine receptors in two rodent models of SCI. In the first model, an upper cervical spinal cord hemisection paralyzes the hemidiaphragm ipsilateral to the injury; a latent respiratory motor pathway can be activated to restore respiratory function after injury. In the model, restoration of respiratory activity following systemic administration of theophylline, a nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist, can be demonstrated. In the second model, involving thoracic contusion (T5–T8), neuro-protective effects can be induced by activation of specific adenosine receptor subtypes. Finally, potential therapeutic perspectives of adenosine compounds in SCI are discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Institute of Child and Human Development Grants 35766 and 31550. The author expresses sincere appreciation for the contributions of Drs. Alilain, Bae, Basura, James, Kreipke, Petrov, and Ms. Saharan. The contributions of Dr. Singh and Ms. Moore-Langston in ongoing studies targeting molecular/survival factors are acknowledged. A special appreciation to Dr. Harry Goshgarian is acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

    Kwaku D. Nantwi

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Correspondence to Kwaku D. Nantwi .

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  1. Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, LSC 208, Hartford, 06106, USA

    Susan Masino

  2. Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR,, 1225 NE 2nd Avenue, Portland, 97232, USA

    Detlev Boison

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Nantwi, K.D. (2013). Therapeutic Perspectives of Adenosine Receptor Compounds in Functional Restitution After Spinal Cord Injury. In: Masino, S., Boison, D. (eds) Adenosine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3903-5_16

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