Enhancing adenosine A(1) receptor binding reduces hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in newborn rats

Hypoxia increases brain adenosine concentrations, which provides neuroprotection through activation of central adenosine A(1) receptors. This study was carried out to determine whether PD 81,273, which increases adenosine's binding to A(1) receptors, would reduce hypoxia-induced brain injury. PD 81,273 (3 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased by about 50% the weight loss of the left cerebral hemisphere caused by hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats. Thus, enhancing adenosine's binding to the A(1) receptor decreases hypoxic brain damage.