Induction of Apoptosis in Rat Cardiocytes by A3 Adenosine Receptor Activation and Its Suppression by Isoproterenol

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms involved in the induction of apoptosis in newborn cultured cardiomyocytes by activation of adenosine (ADO) A3 receptors and to examine the protective effects of beta-adrenoceptors. The selective agonist for A3 ADO receptors Cl-IB-MECA (2-chloro-N6-iodobenzyl-5-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine) and the antagonist MRS1523 (5-propyl-2-ethyl-4-propyl-3-(ethylsulfanylcarbonyl)-6-phenylpy rid ine-5-carboxylate) were used. High concentrations of the Cl-IB-MECA (or = 10 microM) agonist induced morphological modifications of myogenic cells, such as rounding and retraction of cell body and dissolution of contractile filaments, followed by…