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Chronic caffeine treatment causes changes in cardiac adenosine receptor function in rats
1Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Pharmacology, Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. paul.white@vcp.monash.edu.au
Pharmacology
|May 31, 2002
Summary
Chronic caffeine intake in rats increased resting heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine treatment also altered adenosine receptor function, specifically affecting responses to A1 receptor agonists.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pharmacology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Caffeine's cardiovascular effects are linked to adenosine receptor antagonism.
- Chronic caffeine consumption is a potential modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic caffeine treatment on adenosine receptor function.
- To assess changes in heart rate and blood pressure following sustained caffeine intake in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats received caffeine (0.2%) or tap water for two weeks.
- Anesthetized rats underwent assessment of blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiovascular responses to adenosine receptor agonists/antagonists.
Main Results:
- Caffeine-treated rats exhibited significantly higher resting blood pressure and heart rate.
- A 2.5-fold decrease in the ED50 for bradycardic responses to the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine was observed.
- Vasodilator and reflex tachycardic responses to the A2a receptor agonist CGS 21680 remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Chronic caffeine intake alters resting cardiovascular parameters and adenosine A1 receptor sensitivity in rats.
- These findings suggest a link between caffeine consumption, cardiovascular function, and adenosine receptor modulation.