Local stimulation of the adenosine A2B receptors induces an increased release of IL-6 in mouse striatum:: an in vivo microdialysis study

Both adenosine and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of, e.g., epileptic seizures, traumatic brain injury, and affective disorders. Stimulation of adenosine A(2B) receptors on astrocytes in vitro leads to the increased synthesis and secretion of IL-6. We investigated whether or not activation of adenosine receptors evokes an increase of IL-6 release also in vivo. 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine, a non-specific adenosine-agonist or vehicle was administered into the striatum of freely moving mice by reverse microdialysis. A statistical significant increase of the IL-6 concentration in the perfusate was detected already 60 min after 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine administration. IL-6 increased progressively and reached a maximum after 240 min. This effect appears to be mediated through adenosine A(2B) receptors since it was counteracted by the specific A(2B) receptor antagonist MRS1706 but not by the specific A(1) receptor antagonist DPCPX. We conclude that adenosine via activation of A(2B) receptors evokes IL-6 release also in vivo.