ADENOSINE A(2A) RECEPTORS MODIFY MOTOR FUNCTION IN MPTP-TREATED COMMON MARMOSETS

BOTH adenosine A(1) and A(2) receptor populations are located in the s triatum and can modify locomotor activity, and they may form a therape utic target for Parkinson's disease (PD). Administration of the select ive adenosine A(2A) antagonist xystyryl)-7-methyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purin e-2,6-dione (KW-6002) to MPTP-treated common marmosets increased locom otor activity. In contrast, administration of the selective A(1) recep tor antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxantine (DPCPX) had no effect on locomotion. Administration of the adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist 2-[p-[2-(2-aminoethylamino) carbonylethyl] phenethyl amino]-5'-N-ethy lcarboxamidoadenosine (APEC) dose dependently suppressed basal locomot or activity. A minimally effective dose of APEC (0.62 mg/kg, i.p) comp letely reversed the increase in locomotor activity produced by adminis tration of KW-6002. The adenosine A(2A) receptor appears to be an impo rtant target for the treatment of basal ganglia disorders, particularl y PD. (C) 1998 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.