Influence of adenosinergic drugs on ethanol withdrawal syndrome in rats.

The influence of adenosine, its analogs: (-)N6-(R-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA), N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA), 5-(N-ethylcarboxamido)-adenosine (NECA), adenosine uptake inhibitor-dipyridamole, and theophylline and caffeine (adenosine receptor antagonists) on ethanol withdrawal syndrome was investigated in rats. Adenosine (100 mg/kg ip), all adenosine analogs and dipyridamole (30 mg/kg ip) reduced the number of rats in which audiogenic convulsions appeared. Caffeine and theophylline (5-25 mg/kg ip) did not influence significantly the audiogenic seizures, but they antagonized the depressing effects of adenosine analogs on these withdrawal symptoms. The results suggest that adenosine mechanisms in the brain may be implicated in the development of ethanol withdrawal syndrome.