Adenosine: A Physiological Brake on Renin Release

Abstract

Since the discovery over 20 years ago that adenosine inhibits renin release, our knowledge of the biochemistry, cell biology, and renal physiology of adenosine has expanded enormously. Despite this rapid accumulation of knowledge, an integrated view of the role of adenosine in renin release was lacking. It is my hope that the model of renin release presented in this review--although perhaps incorrect in some details--provides a consolidated, and therefore useful, perspective on the role of adenosine as a regulator of renin release.

Mechanisms of adenosine-induced renal vasodilatation in hypertensive patients

“…In our study, however, (exogenous) adenosine did not significantly influence renin secretion. There is some evidence that endogenous adenosine inhibits the release of renin [5,13] and that this can be reversed by theophylline, another non-selective purinergic receptor antagonist [24]. Nevertheless, parallel to the haemodynamic effects of adenosine, there seems to be a biphasic effect on the release of renin that is determined by the type of adenosine subreceptor.…”

“…The aim of the present study was, therefore, to evaluate the mechanism of action of the vasodilator, adenosine, and to determine whether nitric oxide contributes to the adenosine-induced vasodilatation in the human hypertensive kidney. In addition, we evaluated whether adenosine influences renin and catecholamine secretion, because some reports suggest that adenosine attenuates the release of renin [5] and stimulates catecholamine production [6].…”

Differential Effects of Theophylline on Sympathetic Excitation, Hemodynamics, and Breathing in Congestive Heart Failure

“…Adenosine nucleotides also inhibit renin secretion from juxtaglomerular cells. 20 Abnormalities in sleep, sleeprelated breathing, sympathetic activation, and the renin-angiotensin system are highly prevalent in CHF. Although theophylline may attenuate the severity of central sleep apnea in CHF, perhaps by its adenosine antagonism effects, the effects of theophylline on blood pressure, sympathetic activ- …”

Angiotensin peptides modulatory system: how is it implicated in the control of seizure susceptibility?

“…The majority of the physiological actions of the purine adenosine are antagonistic to the actions of ANG II such as the effects on blood pressure control where adenosine appears to be a potent vasodilator and ANG II -vasoconstrictor (Jackson et al, 1985). Furthermore, adenosine effectively blocks the release of renin, thus reducing plasma levels of the octapeptide (Jackson, 1991). On the other hand, ANG II and adenosine have a complex synergistic interaction on glomerular dynamics (Hall and Granger, 1986), adrenergic neurotransmission release (Trachte and Heller, 1990), and vasoconstrictor response regulation (Dietrich et al, 1991).…”