Studies on the effect of adenosine on calcium oscillation in hippocampal neurons

Adenosine (Ade) is an antiepileptic agent. In order to investigate the possible mechanism of action of Ade, its effect on calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations in hippocampal neurons of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was explored. Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured from suckling neonatal SD rats. Cells were cultured for 7–9 days and the Ca(2+) oscillations in response to perfusion with Ade were detected using confocal laser scanning microscopy in combination with Fluo-3/AM labeling. This study found that Ade inhibits the spontaneous synchronized Ca(2+) oscillation frequency and amplitude in mature hippocampal neurons and such inhibition depends on the Ade dosage level to a certain extent. Ade also had a significant inhibitory effect on high potassium-induced Ca(2+) oscillation frequency and amplitude. Ade had a significant inhibitory effect on high-voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel-mediated Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+) oscillations in neurons. This may be one of the mechanisms for Ade to exert antiepileptic effects as an endogenous substance.