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CARDIOVASCULAR

Determination of Adenosine Effects and Adenosine Receptors in Murine Corpus Cavernosum

Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil (R.C.T., F.R.C.G., F.S.C.); and Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia (R.C.T., F.R.C.G., F.S.C., R.L., E.W.I., R.C.W.)

This study tested the hypothesis that adenosine, in murine corpora cavernosa, produces direct relaxation of smooth muscle cells and inhibition of contractile responses mediated by sympathetic nerve stimulation. Penes were excised from anesthetized male C57BL/6 mice, dissected, and cavernosal strips were mounted to record isometric force. Adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine (stable analog of adenosine), and 2-phenylaminoadenosine (CV1808) (A2_A/A2_B agonist) produced concentration-dependent relaxations of phenylephrine-contracted tissues. Relaxation to 2-chloroadenosine was inhibited, in a concentration-dependent manner, by 2-(2-furanyl)-7-(2-phenylethyl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine (SCH58261; A2_A antagonist; 10^–9–10^–6 M) and N-(4-acetylphenyl)-2-[4-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-1H-purin-8-yl)phenoxy]acetamida (MRS1706; A2_B antagonist; 10^–8–10^–6 M). The combination of both antagonists abrogated 2-chloroadenosine-induced relaxation. Electrical field stimulation (EFS; 1–32 Hz) of adrenergic nerves produced frequency-dependent contractions that were inhibited by compounds that increase adenosine levels, such as 5'-iodotubercidin (adenosine kinase inhibitor), erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (adenosine deaminase inhibitor), and dipyridamole (inhibitor of adenosine transport). The adenosine A1 receptor agonist N⁶-cyclopentyladenosine (C8031) right-shifted contractile responses to EFS, with a significant inhibitory effect at 10^–6 M. Blockade of adenosine A1 receptors with 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (C101) (10^–7 M) enhanced contractile responses to EFS and eliminated the inhibitory effects of 5'-iodotubercidin. Dipyridamole and 5'-iodotubercidin had no effect on adenosine-mediated relaxation. In summary, adenosine directly relaxes cavernosal smooth muscle cells, by the activation of A2_A/A2_B receptor subtypes. In addition, adenosine negatively modulates sympathetic neurotransmission, by A1 receptor subtype activation, in murine corpora cavernosa. Adenosine may subserve dual roles in modulating the physiological mechanisms of erection in mice.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Rita C. Tostes, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 Fifteenth St., CA-3141, Augusta, GA 30912-3000. E-mail: rtostes{at}mcg.edu