Anticonvulsant action of 2-chloroadenosine against pentetrazol-induced seizures in immature rats is due to activation of A1 adenosine receptors.

Potentiation of adenosinergic inhibitory modulation is one of possible strategies to develop new antiepileptic drugs. Nonspecific receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine was tested against pentetrazol-induced convulsions in immature (7, 12, 18 and 25 days old) and adult rats. Doses of 1-15 mg/kg i.p. suppressed tonic phase of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) in the two youngest groups, whereas GTCS were abolished in older rats. Minimal clonic seizures in 18-day and older rats were suppressed by high doses of 2-chloroadenosine. The role of A1 and A2A adenosine receptors was studied in 12- and 25-day-old rats. Action of an agonist of A1 receptors CCPA is similar to that of 2-chloroadenosine. An agonist of A2A receptors CGS 21680 exhibits an anticonvulsant action only in the dose-inducing catalepsy; an A2A antagonist ZM 241385 moderately suppressed tonic phase of GTCS only in 12-day-old animals. Anticonvulsant action of adenosine agonists is due to their effects on A1 receptors.