Modulation of Ca super(2+)-currents by sequential and simultaneous activation of adenosine A sub(1) and A sub(2A) receptors in striatal projection neurons

• Published in: Purinergic signalling 2014-06, Vol.10 (2), p.269-281
• Main Authors: Hernandez-Gonzalez, O, Hernandez-Flores, T, Prieto, G A, Perez-Burgos, A, Arias-Garcia, MA, Galarraga, E, Bargas, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1573-9538; 1573-9546
• DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9386-z

D sub(1)- and D sub(2)-types of dopamine receptors are located separately in direct and indirect pathway striatal projection neurons (dSPNs and iSPNs). In comparison, adenosine A sub(1)-type receptors are located in both neuron classes, and adenosine A sub(2A)-type receptors show a preferential expression in iSPNs. Due to their importance for neuronal excitability, Ca super(2+)-currents have been used as final effectors to see the function of signaling cascades associated with different G protein-coupled receptors. For example, among many other actions, D sub(1)-type receptors increase, while D sub(2)-type receptors decrease neuronal excitability by either enhancing or reducing, respectively, Ca sub(V)1 Ca super(2+)-currents. These actions occur separately in dSPNs and iSPNs. In the case of purinergic signaling, the actions of A sub(1)- and A sub(2A)-receptors have not been compared observing their actions on Ca super(2+)-channels of SPNs as final effectors. Our hypotheses are that modulation of Ca super(2+)-currents by A sub(1)-receptors occurs in both dSPNs and iSPNs. In contrast, iSPNs would exhibit modulation by both A sub(1)- and A sub(2A)-receptors. We demonstrate that A sub(1)-type receptors reduced Ca super(2+)-currents in all SPNs tested. However, A sub(2A)-type receptors enhanced Ca super(2+)-currents only in half tested neurons. Intriguingly, to observe the actions of A sub(2A)-type receptors, occupation of A sub(1)-type receptors had to occur first. However, A sub(1)-receptors decreased Ca sub(V)2 Ca super(2+)-currents, while A sub(2A)-type receptors enhanced current through Ca sub(V)1 channels. Because these channels have opposing actions on cell discharge, these differences explain in part why iSPNs may be more excitable than dSPNs. It is demonstrated that intrinsic voltage-gated currents expressed in SPNs are effectors of purinergic signaling that therefore play a role in excitability.