ENHANCING ADENOSINE A(1) RECEPTOR-BINDING REDUCES HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC BRAIN INJURY IN NEWBORN RATS

Hypoxia increases brain adenosine concentrations, which provides neuro protection through activation of central adenosine A(1) receptors. Thi s study was carried out to determine whether PD 81,273, which increase s adenosine's binding to A(1) receptors, would reduce hypoxia-induced brain injury. PD 81,273 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased by about 50% the wei ght loss of the left cerebral hemisphere caused by hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats. Thus, enhancing adenosine's binding to the A(1) recept or decreases hypoxic brain damage.