Smooth muscle cell-derived adenosine inhibits cell growth

Several endogenous factors generated within the vessel wall have been implicated in contributing to the vascular remodeling process associated with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, substances generated by smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are known to regulate SMC proliferation in an autocrine fashion. Adenosine is a vasodilator synthesized by SMCs, and exogenous adenosine inhibits SMC proliferation. However, whether adenosine produced endogenously has antimitogenic effects is not known. Hence, we evaluated the effects of SMC-derived adenosine on 2.5% fetal calf serum-induced proliferation of rat aortic SMCs. SMC proliferation was assayed by measurement of DNA synthesis ([3H]thymidine incorporation) and cell counting. To determine the effects of endogenous adenosine on SMC proliferation, we stimulated growth-arrested SMCs with 2.5% fetal calf serum in the presence and absence of modulators of adenosine levels, including (1) erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine hydrochloride (EHNA; inhibits adenosine deaminase), (2) dipyridamole (blocks adenosine transport and inhibits phosphodiesterase), (3) dipyridamole plus EHNA, and (4) adenosine with or without EHNA. [3H]Thymidine incorporation and cell number were measured after 24 and 96 hours, respectively. EHNA and dipyridamole inhibited both FCS-induced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, extracellular (in medium) adenosine levels were significantly increased when cultured cells were treated with EHNA, and the inhibitory effects of dipyridamole as well as exogenous adenosine were enhanced in the presence of EHNA. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of dipyridamole and EHNA on DNA synthesis were significantly reduced in the presence of KF17837, an A2 adenosine receptor antagonist. These results indicate that SMC-derived adenosine can inhibit SMC proliferation. Hence, it is possible that a defect in localized adenosine synthesis within the vessel wall could contribute to vascular thickening and neointima formation.