A neuroprotective effect of adenosine A₁-receptor agonists on ischemia-induced decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake in rat hippocampal slices

The effects of adenosine (A) receptor agonists on ischemia-induced impairment of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake by rat hippocampal slices was evaluated. Hippocampal slices were exposed to 20-min hypoxia + hypoglycemia (ischemia) and then returned to oxygenated and glucose-containing Krebs-Ringer solution for 6 h. Ischemia reduced 2-DG uptake in the hippocampal slices. The ischemia-induced reduction in 2-DG uptake was attenuated by pretreatment with A₁ receptor agonists but not with A₂ receptor agonists. 8-Phenyltheophylline, an A₁ receptor antagonist, ex the ischemia-induced decrease. The A₁ receptor agonist-induced neuroprotective effect was blocked by co-treatment with 8-phenyltheophylline. The present study suggests that the A₁ receptor-mediated function has a protective role in ischemia-induced decreases in glucose metabolism in hippocam slices.