蝉花虫草镇痛化合物对痛风大鼠转录组及Adora1等疼痛相关基因的影响

本研究采用活性追踪的方法从蝉花虫草Ophiocordyceps sobolifera中分离提取了镇痛活性物质N~6-(2-羟乙基)腺苷[N~6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine,HEA],并通过转录组测序技术探索了HEA对痛风模型大鼠疼痛相关基因的影响。结果表明932个基因存在差异表达,将差异基因与在线疼痛基因大数据及相关文献进行比对,发现了57个疼痛相关基因,其中12个基因与镇痛相关,包括上调表达的腺苷A1受体基因(Adora1)及A2A受体基因(Adora2a)。应用Western blot的方法验证了HEA(7.5mg/kg)诱导镇痛靶标受体腺苷A1受体(A1R)表达上调、腺苷A2A受体(A2AR)表达下调。选择性A1R拮抗剂DPCPX显著抑制HEA对A1R的上调表达作用。综上所述,蝉花虫草的镇痛活性物质为HEA,而HEA可能通过激活腺苷A1R、下调A2AR及调控一系列疼痛相关基因发挥其镇痛作用。     

大鼠发育期睡眠/觉醒周期的神经调节

幼年期大鼠的睡眠/觉醒周期和成年期的有显著差异,最为显著的特点是快眼动(REM) 睡眠在24 小时内的百分比远多于其他任何年龄阶段,随着脑发育成熟而逐渐减少.与此同时,非快眼动(NREM) 睡眠和觉醒的百分比逐渐增加.后者与参与NREM睡眠和觉醒调节的神经元在发育早期的成熟程度较为一致.鉴于大鼠发育早期REM睡眠每日的百分比由最高开始逐渐降低,而触发和促进REM睡眠的胆碱能神经元各生化成分的活性则是由最低开始逐渐升高,此期的REM睡眠应该还有胆碱能以外的动力驱动.新近的资料表明,促肾上腺皮质激素释放因子(CRF)可能是幼年期REM睡眠的另一主要驱动力量.     

调控睡眠-觉醒的分子细胞和脑网络机制探讨

睡眠是影响人体健康的重要因素,睡眠失调易引起多种生理和心理疾病。睡眠稳态既受外界因素(昼夜变化、饮食和温度)影响,亦受内在系统(分子钟和促睡眠/觉醒神经元)调控。细胞内有CLOCK、PER、CRY、NPAS2和BMAL1等分子周期性变化控制生物节律;脑内有基底前脑、丘脑、下丘脑、脑桥和延髓等神经元群体特异性地抑制或促进睡眠与觉醒,各核团之间通过突触连接形成神经网络启动和维持觉醒、非快速眼动睡眠和快速眼动睡眠。睡眠障碍普遍存在,本综述将针对调控生物体睡眠-觉醒的分子、细胞和脑网络机制展开讨论,为防治睡眠障碍类疾病提供新的思路。     

下丘脑hypocretin神经元协调睡眠-觉醒功能

哺乳动物的生活实际上是由睡眠与觉醒、休息与活动、镇静与警戒组成的。上世纪早期的研究预示了在下丘脑后部有一促觉醒区 ,目前神经科学家已证实了上述预测。下丘脑的hypocretin(也称为orexin)神经元对于觉醒系统的调节起着决定性作用 ,该神经元的活动能使睡意减少 ,同时提高觉醒和警戒。Hypocretin神经元分泌兴奋性神经递质hypocretin 1和hypocretin 2 ,投射到参与睡眠 觉醒机制的脑干 ,脑干的这些结构各有自己主要的神经递质 (如缝核的 5 羟色胺、蓝斑的去甲肾上腺素、背侧被盖的乙酰胆碱、乳头结节核的组胺、内侧隔核与斜角带核的γ …     

纹状体A2AR/D2DR拮抗效应在运动功能调节中的研究进展

纹状体是运动调控的关键组成部分,对机体运动控制发挥重要作用。腺苷A2A受体(adenosine A2A receptor, A2AR)与多巴胺D2受体(dopamine D2 receptor, D2DR)在纹状体投射到苍白球的神经元中高度共表达,形成的A2AR/D2DR异聚体具有拮抗效应,共同调节纹状体接收到的谷氨酸能和多巴胺能投射,通过改变纹状体神经元的活性,控制投射向下级核团的GABA能输出,调节基底神经节直接通路和间接通路的平衡,最终对运动产生影响。A2AR/D2DR在细胞水平以及行为水平上的拮抗效应,为其在运动疲劳和帕金森病的运动功能改善上提供了新的靶点。该文将对A2AR/D2DR拮抗效应在运动功能调节中的研究进行综述,为后期研究运动的中枢干预靶点提供新的可能性。     

前列腺素D2与睡眠调节

前列腺素D2（PGD2）是目前已知最有潜力的内源性促睡眠物质之一。鼠脑脊液（CSF）中PGD2浓度与睡眠－觉醒周期一致,呈现节律性改变,并且随睡眠剥夺期间嗜睡倾向增加而增加,催化PGH2转变为PGD2的特生酶有两种：Lipocalin型前列腺素D合成酶（L－PGDS）和脾型PGDS。L－PGDS主要在大脑蛛网膜和脉络丛产生,并分泌入CSF。L－PGDS和PGD2在脑室系统、蛛网膜下腔及细胞外间隙中循环,循环中的PGD2可与前脑头端基底腹内侧面的化学感受器中的前列腺素D2受体（DPR）相互作用,通过活化具有腺苷A2a受体的元以产生促进睡眠的信号。PGD2敏感区内DPR的活化可导致腹侧视前区（VLPO）内神经元的活化,其可通过抑制结节乳头核（TMN）而促进睡眠。相反,PGE2在维持大脑清醒状态下起主要作用。PGD2和PGE2的平衡对正常睡眠－觉醒周期的维持十分关键。     

中枢组织胺H3受体在睡眠-觉醒调节中的功用及作为治疗睡眠障碍药物干预靶点的依据

中枢组织胺(组胺)神经元位于下丘脑后部并广泛投射到全脑各部,在维持上行觉醒方面发挥重要作用。组胺H3受体调节组胺合成、释放及组胺神经元的活动,还参与调节脑内其它神经递质释放。凭借广泛区域表达和对多种神经递质的调节,H3受体近年备受重视并成为睡眠调节和对抗睡眠-觉醒障碍的有力药物干预靶点。随着对H3受体研究的深入及其在临床领域的应用,有必要对H3受体在睡眠觉醒调节中的作用作一综述,这对进一步探索H3受体的生理功能和临床药理学研究具有重要意义。     

Orexin 受体拮抗剂：治疗失眠的新途径

Orexin 受体有2 种亚型,即orexin-1 受体和oerxin-2 受体,为下丘脑外侧神经元中的2 个G 蛋白偶联受体,其内源性配体分别为orexin-A 和-B。研究发现,动物或人的orexin 神经元损伤后会引起嗜睡症,且orexin 受体在调节睡眠- 觉醒周期方面发挥重要作用。因此,开发orexin 受体拮抗剂,成为改善睡眠和治疗失眠的一条新途径。简介orexin 及其受体,综述orexin 信号通路对睡眠- 觉醒的调控作用与机制以及orexin 受体拮抗剂的研究与开发。     

基底外侧杏仁核对大鼠睡眠和行为的调节作用及机制研究

目的和方法 :本研究运用多导睡眠描记 (PSG)方法、大白鼠开阔实验法及强迫游泳实验观察杏仁核的基底外侧核 (BLN)内微量注射谷氨酸、吗啡和纳络酮对大鼠睡眠、觉醒和行为的影响。结果 :用谷氨酸选择性兴奋BLN内神经元胞体可增加觉醒 ,减少慢波睡眠 (SWS)和总睡眠时间 (TST) ,增加大鼠自主活动和缩短强迫游泳“不动”时间。吗啡作用与谷氨酸相似 ,而阿片受体阻断剂纳络酮引起的作用则与之相反 ,并可完全阻断吗啡的作用。结论 :BLN神经元兴奋可引起觉醒增加、SWS减少和自主活动增加效应 ,阿片受体激动剂是BLN调节睡眠、觉醒和行为的重要递质。     

腺苷A2A受体参与基底神经节间接通路运动调节的研究进展

运动功能是在神经系统的调控下完成的,皮层及基底神经节在运动功能调节中发挥信息整合及指令发放的作用,其中纹状体是基底神经节中接受传入信息的主要核团。腺苷A2A受体(adenosine A2A receptor, A2AR)在纹状体中高度表达,并在纹状体中整合多巴胺、谷氨酸和大麻素信号,参与间接通路运动抑制的信息编码。该文阐述了腺苷A2AR与多巴胺D2受体、代谢型谷氨酸mGlu5受体以及大麻素CB1受体的交互作用,探讨腺苷表达异常在神经疾病,如帕金森病、酒精成瘾等产生的作用,以及靶向干预腺苷改善相关疾病运动功能的机制,并对A2AR在间接通路运动调控及相关运动障碍中的研究进行总结,为后期运动功能中枢靶向干预提供理论参考。     

Microinjection of Adenosine into the Hypothalamic Ventrolateral Preoptic Area Enhances Wakefulness via the A1 Receptor in Rats

Adenosine (AD) is a nucleic acid component that is critical for energy metabolism in the body. AD modulates numerous neural functions in the central nervous system, including the sleep-wake cycle. Previous studies have indicated that the A₁ receptor (A₁R) or A_2A receptor (A_2AR) may mediate the effects of AD on the sleep-wake cycle. The hypothalamic ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) initiates and maintains normal sleep. Histological studies have shown A₁R are widely expressed in brain tissue, whereas A_2AR expression is limited in the brain and undetectable in the VLPO. We hypothesize therefore, that AD modulates the sleep-wake cycle through A₁R in the VLPO. In the present study, bilateral microinjection of AD or an AD transporter inhibitor (s-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine) into the VLPO of rats decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. An A₁R agonist (N₆-cyclohexyladenosine) produced similar effects in the VLPO. Microinjection of an A₁R antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine) into the VLPO enhanced NREM sleep and diminished AD-induced wakefulness. These data indicate that AD enhances wakefulness in the VLPO via A₁R in rats.     

Caffeine has a dual influence on NMDA receptor–mediated glutamatergic transmission at the hippocampus

Caffeine, a stimulant largely consumed around the world, is a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, and therefore caffeine actions at synapses usually, but not always, mirror those of adenosine. Importantly, different adenosine receptors with opposing regulatory actions co-exist at synapses. Through both inhibitory and excitatory high-affinity receptors (A₁R and A₂R, respectively), adenosine affects NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function at the hippocampus, but surprisingly, there is a lack of knowledge on the effects of caffeine upon this ionotropic glutamatergic receptor deeply involved in both positive (plasticity) and negative (excitotoxicity) synaptic actions. We thus aimed to elucidate the effects of caffeine upon NMDAR-mediated excitatory post-synaptic currents (NMDAR-EPSCs), and its implications upon neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis. We found that caffeine (30–200 μM) facilitates NMDAR-EPSCs on pyramidal CA1 neurons from Balbc/ByJ male mice, an action mimicked, as well as occluded, by 1,3-dipropyl-cyclopentylxantine (DPCPX, 50 nM), thus likely mediated by blockade of inhibitory A₁Rs. This action of caffeine cannot be attributed to a pre-synaptic facilitation of transmission because caffeine even increased paired-pulse facilitation of NMDA-EPSCs, indicative of an inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Adenosine A_2ARs are involved in this likely pre-synaptic action since the effect of caffeine was mimicked by the A_2AR antagonist, SCH58261 (50 nM). Furthermore, caffeine increased the frequency of Ca²⁺ transients in neuronal cell culture, an action mimicked by the A₁R antagonist, DPCPX, and prevented by NMDAR blockade with AP5 (50 μM). Altogether, these results show for the first time an influence of caffeine on NMDA receptor activity at the hippocampus, with impact in neuronal Ca²⁺ homeostasis.

     

Neuroprotection by adenosine in the brain: From A<Subscript>1</Subscript> receptor activation to A<Subscript>2A</Subscript> receptor blockade

Adenosine is a neuromodulator that operates via the most abundant inhibitory adenosine A₁ receptors (A₁Rs) and the less abundant, but widespread, facilitatory A_2ARs. It is commonly assumed that A₁Rs play a key role in neuroprotection since they decrease glutamate release and hyperpolarize neurons. In fact, A₁R activation at the onset of neuronal injury attenuates brain damage, whereas its blockade exacerbates damage in adult animals. However, there is a down-regulation of central A₁Rs in chronic noxious situations. In contrast, A_2ARs are up-regulated in noxious brain conditions and their blockade confers robust brain neuroprotection in adult animals. The brain neuroprotective effect of A_2AR antagonists is maintained in chronic noxious brain conditions without observable peripheral effects, thus justifying the interest of A_2AR antagonists as novel protective agents in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease, ischemic brain damage and epilepsy. The greater interest of A_2AR blockade compared to A₁R activation does not mean that A₁R activation is irrelevant for a neuroprotective strategy. In fact, it is proposed that coupling A_2AR antagonists with strategies aimed at bursting the levels of extracellular adenosine (by inhibiting adenosine kinase) to activate A₁Rs might constitute the more robust brain neuroprotective strategy based on the adenosine neuromodulatory system. This strategy should be useful in adult animals and especially in the elderly (where brain pathologies are prevalent) but is not valid for fetus or newborns where the impact of adenosine receptors on brain damage is different.     

A new D₂ dopamine receptor agonist allosterically modulates A(2A) adenosine receptor signalling by interacting with the A(2A)/D₂ receptor heteromer

The structural and functional interaction between D₂ dopamine receptor (DR) and A_2A adenosine receptor (AR) has suggested these two receptors as a pharmacological target in pathologies associated with dopamine dysfunction, such as Parkinson's disease. In transfected cell lines it has been demonstrated the activation of D₂DR induces a significant negative regulation of A_2AAR-mediated responses, whereas few data are at now available about the regulation of A_2AAR by D₂DR agonists at receptor recognition site. In this work we confirmed that in A_2AAR/D₂DR co-transfected cells, these receptors exist as homo- and hetero-dimers. The classical D₂DR agonists were able to negatively modulate both A_2AAR affinity and functionality. These effects occurred even if any significant changes in A_2AAR/D₂DR energy transfer interaction could be detected in BRET experiments.Since the development of new molecules able to target A_2A/D₂ dimers may represent an attractive tool for innovative pharmacological therapy, we also identified a new small molecule, 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1-(2-piperidin-1-yl)ethyl)piperidine (compound 1), full agonist of D₂DR and modulator of A_2A-D₂ receptor dimer. This compound was able to negatively modulate A_2AAR binding properties and functional responsiveness in a manner comparable to classical D₂R agonists. In contrast to classical agonists, compound 1 led to conformational changes in the quaternary structure in D₂DR homomers and heteromers and induced A_2AAR/D₂DR co-internalization. These results suggest that compound 1 exerts a high control of the function of heteromers and could represent a starting point for the development of new drugs targeting A_2AAR/D₂ DR heteromers.     

Functional interaction between purinergic receptors: effect of ligands for A2A and P2Y12 receptors on P2Y1 receptor function

A_2A adenosine receptor (A_2AR), P2Y₁ receptor (P2Y₁R) and P2Y₁₂ receptor (P2Y₁₂R) are predominantly expressed on human platelets. The individual role of each of these receptors in platelet aggregation has been actively reported. Previously, hetero-oligomerization between these three receptors has been shown to occur. Here, we show that Ca²⁺ signaling evoked by the P2Y₁R agonist, 2-methylthioladenosine 5’ diphosphate (2MeSADP) was significantly inhibited by the A_2AR antagonist (ZM241385 and SCH442416) and the P2Y₁₂R antagonist (ARC69931MX) using HEK293T cells expressing the three receptors. It was confirmed that inhibition of P2Y₁R signaling by A_2AR and P2Y₁₂R antagonists was indeed mediated through A_2AR and P2Y₁₂R using 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells which do not express P2Y receptors. We expect that intermolecular signal transduction and specific conformational changes occur among components of hetero-oligomers formed by these three receptors.     

Adenosine A1 and A2A receptors are involved on guanosine protective effects against oxidative burst and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by 6-OHDA in striatal slices

6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is the most used toxin in experimental Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. 6-OHDA shows high affinity for the dopamine transporter and once inside the neuron, it accumulates and undergoes non-enzymatic auto-oxidation, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and selective damage of catecholaminergic neurons. In this way, our group has established a 6-OHDA in vitro protocol with rat striatal slices as a rapid and effective model for screening of new drugs with protective effects against PD. We have shown that co-incubation with guanosine (GUO, 100 μM) prevented the 6-OHDA-induced damage in striatal slices. As the exact GUO mechanism of action remains unknown, the aim of this study was to investigate if adenosine A₁ (A₁R) and/or A_2A receptors (A_2AR) are involved on GUO protective effects on striatal slices. Pre-incubation with DPCPX, an A₁R antagonist prevented guanosine effects on 6-OHDA-induced ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, while CCPA, an A₁R agonist, did not alter GUO effects. Regarding A_2AR, the antagonist SCH58261 had similar protective effect as GUO in ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, SCH58261 did not affect GUO protective effects. The A_2AR agonist CGS21680, although, completely blocked GUO effects. Finally, the A₁R antagonist DPCPX, and the A_2AR agonist CGS21680 also abolished the preventive guanosine effect on 6-OHDA-induced ATP levels decrease. These results reinforce previous evidence for a putative interaction of GUO with A₁R-A_2AR heteromer as its molecular target and clearly indicate a dependence on adenosine receptors modulation to GUO protective effect.

     

5-HT<Subscript>1A</Subscript> receptor expression in pyramidal neurons of cortical and limbic brain regions

We studied expression of the 5-HT_1A receptor in cortical and limbic areas of the brain of the tree shrew. In situ hybridization with a receptor-specific probe and immunocytochemistry with various antibodies was used to identify distinct neurons expressing the receptor. In vitro receptor autoradiography with ³H-8-OH-DPAT (³H-8-hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino]tetralin) was performed to visualize receptor-binding sites. In the prefrontal, insular, and occipital cortex, 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA was expressed in pyramidal neurons of layer 2, whereas ³H-8-OH-DPAT labeled layers 1 and 2 generating a columnar-like pattern in the prefrontal and occipital cortex. In the striate and ventral occipital cortex, receptor mRNA was present within layers 5 and 6 in pyramidal neurons and Meynert cells. Pyramid-like neurons in the claustrum and anterior olfactory nucleus also expressed the receptor. Principal neurons in hippocampal region CA1 expressed 5-HT_1A receptor mRNA, and ³H-8-OH-DPAT labeled both the stratum oriens and stratum radiatum. CA3 pyramidal neurons displayed low 5-HT_1A receptor expression, whereas granule neurons in the dentate gyrus revealed moderate expression of this receptor. In the amygdala, large pyramid-like neurons in the basal magnocellular nucleus strongly expressed the receptor. Immunocytochemistry with antibodies against parvalbumin, calbindin, and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) provided no evidence for 5-HT_1A receptor expression in GABAergic neurons in cortical and limbic brain areas. Our data agree with previous findings showing that the 5-HT_1A receptor mediates the modulation of glutamatergic neurons. Expression in the limbic and cortical areas suggested an involvement of 5-HT_1A receptors in emotional and cognitive processes.This work was supported by the German Science Foundation (SFB 406; C4 to G.F.).     

Modulation of Ca2+-currents by sequential and simultaneous activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in striatal projection neurons

D₁- and D₂-types of dopamine receptors are located separately in direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs). In comparison, adenosine A₁-type receptors are located in both neuron classes, and adenosine A_2A-type receptors show a preferential expression in iSPNs. Due to their importance for neuronal excitability, Ca²⁺-currents have been used as final effectors to see the function of signaling cascades associated with different G protein-coupled receptors. For example, among many other actions, D₁-type receptors increase, while D₂-type receptors decrease neuronal excitability by either enhancing or reducing, respectively, Ca_V1 Ca²⁺-currents. These actions occur separately in dSPNs and iSPNs. In the case of purinergic signaling, the actions of A₁- and A_2A-receptors have not been compared observing their actions on Ca²⁺-channels of SPNs as final effectors. Our hypotheses are that modulation of Ca²⁺-currents by A₁-receptors occurs in both dSPNs and iSPNs. In contrast, iSPNs would exhibit modulation by both A₁- and A_2A-receptors. We demonstrate that A₁-type receptors reduced Ca²⁺-currents in all SPNs tested. However, A_2A-type receptors enhanced Ca²⁺-currents only in half tested neurons. Intriguingly, to observe the actions of A_2A-type receptors, occupation of A₁-type receptors had to occur first. However, A₁-receptors decreased Ca_V2 Ca²⁺-currents, while A_2A-type receptors enhanced current through Ca_V1 channels. Because these channels have opposing actions on cell discharge, these differences explain in part why iSPNs may be more excitable than dSPNs. It is demonstrated that intrinsic voltage-gated currents expressed in SPNs are effectors of purinergic signaling that therefore play a role in excitability.     

Investigation of the functional expression of purine and pyrimidine receptors in porcine isolated pancreatic arteries

Receptors for purines and pyrimidines are expressed throughout the cardiovascular system. This study investigated their functional expression in porcine isolated pancreatic arteries. Pancreatic arteries (endothelium intact or denuded) were prepared for isometric tension recording and preconstricted with U46619, a thromboxane A₂ mimetic; adenosine-5′-diphosphate (ADP), uridine-5′-triphosphate (UTP) and MRS2768, a selective P2Y₂ agonist, were applied cumulatively, while adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) and αβ-methylene-ATP (αβ-meATP) response curves were generated from single concentrations per tissue segment. Antagonists/enzyme inhibitors were applied prior to U46619 addition. ATP, αβ-meATP, UTP and MRS2768 induced vasoconstriction, with a potency order of αβ-meATP > MRS2768 > ATP ≥ UTP. Contractions to ATP and αβ-meATP were blocked by NF449, a selective P2X1 receptor antagonist. The contraction induced by ATP, but not UTP, was followed by vasorelaxation. Endothelium removal and DUP 697, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, had no significant effect on contraction to ATP but attenuated that to UTP, indicating actions at distinct receptors. MRS2578, a selective P2Y₆ receptor antagonist, had no effect on contractions to UTP. ADP induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation which was inhibited by MRS2179, a selective P2Y₁ receptor antagonist, or SCH58261, a selective adenosine A_2A receptor antagonist. The contractions to ATP and αβ-meATP were attributed to actions at P2X1 receptors on the vascular smooth muscle, whereas it was shown for the first time that UTP induced an endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction which may involve P2Y₂ and/or P2Y₄ receptors. The relaxation induced by ADP is mediated by P2Y₁ and A_2A adenosine receptors. Porcine pancreatic arteries appear to lack vasorelaxant P2Y₂ and P2Y₄ receptors.     

Lack of efficacy of a partial adenosine A1 receptor agonist in neuropathic pain models in mice

Previous studies suggest that adenosine A₁ receptors (A₁R) modulate the processing of pain. The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of A₁R in nociceptive tissues and to evaluate whether targeting A₁R with the partial agonist capadenoson may reduce neuropathic pain in mice. The cellular distribution of A₁R in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord was analyzed using fluorescent in situ hybridization. In behavioral experiments, neuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury or intraperitoneal injection of paclitaxel, and tactile hypersensitivities were determined using a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to assess electrophysiological properties of dissociated DRG neurons. We found A₁R to be expressed in populations of DRG neurons and dorsal horn neurons involved in the processing of pain. However, administration of capadenoson at established in vivo doses (0.03–1.0 mg/kg) did not alter mechanical hypersensitivity in the spared nerve injury and paclitaxel models of neuropathic pain, whereas the standard analgesic pregabalin significantly inhibited the pain behavior. Moreover, capadenoson failed to affect potassium currents in DRG neurons, in contrast to a full A₁R agonist. Despite expression of A₁R in nociceptive neurons, our data do not support the hypothesis that pharmacological intervention with partial A₁R agonists might be a valuable approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.