Adenosine inhibits locus coeruleus neurons: an intracellular study in a rat brain slice preparation

Intracellular recording was used to study the effect of adenosine (3-100 microM) on rat locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in a brain slice preparation. Bath application of adenosine (100 microM) reduced the rate of spontaneous firing in 88% of LC neurons. In some LC neurons adenosine also caused membrane hyperpolarization (2-10 mV) and reductions in input resistance of 9-24%. Adenosine effects were dose-dependent and antagonized by the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline.