Central effects of adenosine analogs on blood pressure and heart rate in the mouse

Mice implanted with chronic indwelling cannulae were injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle with two adenosine analogs, NECA and L-PIA, and the effects on blood pressure and heart rate recorded. Both analogs produced dose-related reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. NECA exhibited approximately 10 fold more potency than L-PIA on mean arterial blood pressure. The effects of both drugs on blood pressure and heart rate were antagonized by parenteral injections of caffeine. These results show that injections of adenosine analogs into the lateral ventricle of mice can influence the areas of the central nervous system involved in the control of cardiovascular function.