Effects of adenosine agonists on consumptive behaviour and body temperature

This study was designed to determine the effects of the A1-receptor selective agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), and the A2-selective agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine-hydrochloride (CGS-21680) on consumptive behaviour and body temperature in rats in relation to the non-selective A1/A2 adenosine agonist, N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA), and to morphine. It was shown that two subcutaneous injections of 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg(-1) CPA caused a similar decrease in food consumption to NECA (2 x 0.03 mg kg(-1)) and morphine (2 x 10 mg kg(-1)). However, two doses of 0.03 mg kg(-1) CPA and 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg(-1)CGS-21680 enhanced feeding. These effects were not directly correlated to faecal output at all doses of the selective agonists, as NECA and morphine induced constipation. The doses of CPA and 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg(-1) of CGS-21680 enhanced water consumption, as did NECA, but not morphine. The stimulation of drinking by CPA was not absolutely associated with diuresis. Instead, urine output was reduced by 0.03 and 0.1 mg kg(-1) and increased by 0.3 mg kg(-1). CGS-21680 at 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg(-1) and NECA also induced diuresis, which was opposite to the effect of morphine. CPA and CGS-21680 both caused significant dose-dependent decreases in body temperature after the two-injection treatment, but their effects were significantly less after 36 h when four doses had been administered. The study indicates that highly selective A1 and A2A adenosine agonists might have the ability to interfere with consumptive behaviour, induce constipation, affect renal function and to lower body temperature.