Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonist, 2-p-(2-Carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine Hydrochloride Hydrate, Inhibits Inflammation and Increases Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Tissue Expression in Carrageenan-Induced Rat Paw Edema.

Adenosine is the final product of ATP metabolism, mainly derived from the action of 5'-nucleotidase cleavage of AMP. Cellular production of adenosine is greatly enhanced in inflamed tissues, ischemic tissues, and under hypoxia, where ATP is released from damaged cells. Much evidence has been accumulated on adenosine anti-inflammatory effects mediated through A2A receptor activation; A2A adenosine receptor has also been shown to play a role in matrix deposition and wound healing in a damaged tissue, contributing to dermal tissue protection and repair. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a powerful mitogen for fibroblast; it is expressed by several inflammatory cell types and plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis, wound healing, gastric ulcer protection. Human recombinant FGF-2 has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of the present work was to investigate on the anti-inflammatory effect of systemic administration of the adenosine A2A agonist 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine hydrochloride hydrate (CGS21680) in the rat model of carrageenan-induced paw edema. We found that CGS21680 inhibits inflammation induced by carrageenan injection into the rat paw, and this effect is associated to the local reduction of cytokine levels and dermal increase of FGF-2 expression. Our results suggest that FGF-2 might be involved in the anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effect due to A2A receptor activation.