Modulation of adenosine release from rat spinal cord by adenosine deaminase and adenosine kinase inhibitors

Adenosine, a modulator of pain processing in the spinal cord, is metabolized by adenosine kinase and adenosine deaminase. In this study we determined which of these mechanisms is more important for the regulation of endogenous adenosine levels in the rat spinal cord. The effects of the adenosine kinase inhibitors, 5′-deoxyadenosine (NH₂dAD) and iodotubercidin (IOT), and the adenosine deaminase inhibitor, 2′-deoxycoformycin (DCF), on adenosine release in a spinal cord superfusion model were studied. DCF markedly increased basal adenosine levels detected in perfusates and was more potent than NH₂dAD and IOT in this regard. Coadministration of DCF with NH₂dAD produced an enhanced effect compared to the inhibitors alone. NH₂dAD, but not DCF, potentiated morphine-evoked adenosine release. These results suggest that adenosine deaminase may be the predominant pathway for adenosine metabolism in this experimental model.