Modulation of the release of endogenous adenosine by cannabinoids in the myenteric plexus‐longitudinal muscle preparation of the guinea‐pig ileum

Interactions between the cannabinoid system and the adenosine system were investigated in the myenteric plexus‐longitudinal muscle (MPLM) of the guinea‐pig ileum. Electrically‐evoked contractions of the MPLM were inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by exogenous adenosine and the adenosine receptor agonist 2‐chloroadenosine. These inhibitory effects were reversed by the selective A 1 receptor antagonist DPCPX (20 n M ). Preincubation of the MPLM with the cannabinoid receptor agonist CP55,940 (1 n M ) or the endogenous cannabinoid ligand anandamide caused a significant leftward shift in the concentration‐effect curves to adenosine and 2‐chloroadenosine. Electrically‐evoked contractions of the MPLM were inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by the adenosine uptake inhibitor dipyridamole. This inhibition was reversed by DPCPX (20 n M ). Pretreatment with CP55,940 (1 n M ) or anandamide (10 μ M ) significantly reduced the inhibition produced by dipyridamole, an effect which was completely reversed by the selective CB 1 receptor ligand SR141716 (100 n M ). Electrically evoked adenosine release, measured in real time by means of adenosine‐specific biosensors, was inhibited by CP55,940 (10 n M ). This inhibition was blocked when CP55,940 was applied in the presence of SR141716 (100 n M ). These results confirm the presence of presynaptic CB 1 and A 1 receptors in the guinea‐pig MPLM, and suggest that CB 1 receptor stimulation reduces electrically‐evoked adenosine release. Overall the data raise the possibility that the cannabinoid system plays a role in the modulation of adenosine transmission in the MPLM.British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 137 , 1298–1304. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704985