Adenosine A1 receptor

Signaling

Activation of the adenosine A₁ receptor by an agonist causes binding of G_i1/2/3 or G_o protein. Binding of G_i1/2/3 causes an inhibition of adenylate cyclase and, therefore, a decrease in the cAMP concentration. An increase of the inositol triphosphate/diacylglycerol concentration is caused by an activation of phospholipase C, whereas the elevated levels of arachidonic acid are mediated by DAG lipase, which cleaves DAG to form arachidonic acid. Several types of potassium channels are activated but N-, P-, and Q-type calcium channels are inhibited.

Effect

This receptor has an inhibitory function on most of the tissues in which it rests. In the brain, it slows metabolic activity by a combination of actions. At the neuron's synapse, it reduces synaptic vesicle release.

Ligands

Caffeine, as well as theophylline, has been found to antagonize both A₁ and A_2A receptors in the brain.

Agonists

• 2-Chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA).
• N6-Cyclopentyladenosine
• N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine
• Tecadenoson ((2R,3S,4R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(6-

((R)-tetrahydrofuran-3-ylamino)-9H-purin-9-yl)-tetrashydrofuran3,4-diol)

• Selodenoson ((2S,3S,4R)-5-(6-(cyclopentylamino)-9Hpurin-9-yl)-N-ethyl-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-carboxamide)
• Capadenoson (BAY68-4986)
• Benzyloxy-cyclopentyladenosine (BnOCPA) is an A1R selective agonist.

PAMs

• 2‑Amino-3-(4′-chlorobenzoyl)-4-substituted-5-arylethynyl thiophene # 4e

Antagonists

Non-selective

• Caffeine
• Theophylline
• CGS-15943

Selective

• 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPX / 8-cyclopentyltheophylline)
• 8-Cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX)
• 8-Phenyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine
• Bamifylline
• BG-9719
• BG-9928
• FK-453
• FK-838
• Rolofylline (KW-3902)
• N-0861
• ISAM-CV202

In the heart

In the heart, A₁ receptors play roles in electrical pacing (chronotropy and dromotropy), fluid balance, local sympathetic regulation, and metabolism.

When bound by adenosine, A₁ receptors inhibit impulses generated in supraventricular tissue (SA node, AV node) and the Bundle of His/Purkinje system, leading to negative chronotropy (slowing of the heart rate). Specifically, A₁ receptor activation leads to inactivation of the inwardly rectifying K⁺ current and inhibition of the inward Ca²⁺ current (I_Ca) and the 'funny' hyperpolarization-activated current (I_f). Adenosine agonism of A1ARs also inhibits release of norepinephrine from cardiac nerves. Norepinephrine is a positive chronotrope, inotrope, and dromotrope, through its agonism of β adrenergic receptors on pacemaker cells and ventricular myocytes.

Collectively, these mechanisms lead to an myocardial depressant effect by decreasing the conduction of electrical impulses and suppressing pacemaker cells function, resulting in a decrease in heart rate. This makes adenosine a useful medication for treating and diagnosing tachyarrhythmias, or excessively fast heart rates. This effect on the A₁ receptor also explains why there is a brief moment of cardiac standstill when adenosine is administered as a rapid IV push during cardiac resuscitation. The rapid infusion causes a momentary myocardial stunning effect.

In normal physiological states, this serves as protective mechanisms. However, in altered cardiac function, such as hypoperfusion caused by hypotension, heart attack or cardiac arrest caused by nonperfusing bradycardias, adenosine has a negative effect on physiological functioning by preventing necessary compensatory increases in heart rate and blood pressure that attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion.

Metabolically, A1AR activation by endogenous adenosine across the body reduces plasma glucose, lactate, and insulin levels, however A2aR activation increased glucose and lactate levels to an extent greater than the A1AR effect on glucose and lactate. Thus, intravascular administration of adenosine increases the amount of glucose and lactate available in the blood for cardiac myocytes. A1AR activation also partially inhibits glycolysis, slowing its rate to align with oxidative metabolism, which limits post-ischemic damage through reduced H⁺ generation.

In the state of myocardial hypertrophy and remodeling, interstitial adenosine and the expression of the A1AR receptor are both increased. After transition to heart failure however, overexpression of A1AR is no longer present. Excess A1AR expression can induce cardiomyopathy, cardiac dilatation, and cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac failure may involve increased A1AR expression and decreased adenosine in physical models of cardiac overload and in dysfunction induced by TNFα. Heart failure often involves secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide to compensate for reduced renal perfusion and thus, secretion of electrolytes. A1AR activation also increases secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide from atrial myocytes.