Modulation of gastric acid secretion by adenosine in conscious rats.

Basal (nonstimulated) gastric acid output was determined in conscious rats fitted with indwelling gastric cannulae. The adenosine deaminase resistant analog of adenosine, R-phenylisopropyladenosine, elevated intraluminal pH beyond 7.0 and decreased gastric acid secretion when given at doses of 0.10 or 1.0 mg/kg, while S-phenylisopropyladenosine at similar doses did not affect either gastric acid output or pH. The potent adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-phenyltheophylline, given at doses of 0.1, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg augmented gastric acid output and, at doses of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/kg, blocked the acid-reducing effect of R-phenylisopropyladenosine (0.1 mg/kg). These data suggest that adenosine systems may be important regulators of gastric function.