Effect of adenosine on oxygen uptake and electrolyte content of frog sartorius muscle.

Adenosine and ATP depressed resting O2 uptake in frog sartorius. This action was blocked by low levels of caffeine and by 8-phenyltheophylline. It was mimicked by a polymer of adenosine. Adenosine also decreased radioactive calcium uptake in muscles. Potassium and magnesium content were increased while sodium and calcium content were decreased by adenosine. Adenosine did not decrease oxygen uptake in muscles from frogs sacrificed in winter months. However, adenosine deaminase, which inactivates adenosine by removing the amino group, increased oxygen uptake, calcium content and lactate release of these muscles. Our results suggest that adenosine reduces resting metabolism, possibly through reducing passive leaks of electrolytes.