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Sciatic nerve stimulation does not increase endogenous adenosine production in sensory-motor cortex
F J Northington1, G P Matherne, S D Coleman
1Department of Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Summary
Adenosine does not appear to regulate brain blood flow during sensory stimulation. However, it may play a role in maintaining normal cerebral blood flow in the resting state.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adenosine is involved in regulating brain blood flow during conditions like hypoxia and seizures.
- Its role in cerebral blood flow during sensory stimulation, where blood flow and oxygen consumption are uncoupled, is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of adenosine in regulating cerebral blood flow during somatosensory stimulation.
- To determine if adenosine mediates changes in cerebral blood flow in the basal state.
Main Methods:
- Microdialysis was used to measure interstitial adenosine levels in the hindlimb sensory-motor cortex.
- Cerebral blood flow was measured using the hydrogen clearance technique during sciatic nerve stimulation.
- The adenosine antagonist 8-sulfophenyltheophylline was infused to assess its effects.
Main Results:
- Cerebral blood flow significantly increased during sciatic nerve stimulation without a change in interstitial adenosine.
- Infusion of 8-sulfophenyltheophylline did not block the increase in cerebral blood flow during stimulation.
- The adenosine antagonist decreased basal cerebral blood flow.
Conclusions:
- Adenosine does not appear to mediate the changes in cerebral blood flow observed during somatosensory stimulation.
- Adenosine may play a role in regulating basal cerebral blood flow.