Chronic respiratory disorders such as
asthma are believed to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. We hypothesize that asthmatic
inflammation translates into systemic
inflammation and alters vascular responses where
adenosine (AD) plays an important role. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of aerosolized AD, used to elevate lung AD levels, on vascular reactivity and
inflammation in our allergic mouse model of
asthma. Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: control (Con), Con + aerosolized AD (Con + AD),
allergen sensitized and challenged (Sen), and Sen + aerosolized AD (Sen + AD). The animals were sensitized with ragweed (200 mug ip) on days 1 and 6, followed by 1% ragweed
aerosol challenges from days 11 to 13. On day 14, the Con + AD and Sen + AD groups received a single AD
aerosol challenge (6 mg/ml) for 2 min, followed by the collection of the aorta and plasma on day 15. Organ bath experiments showed concentration-dependent aortic relaxations to AD in the Con and Con + AD groups, which were impaired in the Sen and Sen + AD groups. Real-time PCR data showed changes in aortic AD receptors (ARs), with the expression of A(1)ARs upregulated, whereas the expression of A(2)ARs and
endothelial nitric oxide synthase genes were downregulated, resulting in an impairment of vasorelaxation in the Sen and Sen + AD groups. The A(1)AR antagonist
1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (
DPCPX) reversed the impairment in vasorelaxation observed in the Sen and Sen + AD groups, whereas the A(2B)AR antagonist
alloxazine inhibited vasorelaxation in all groups.
Allergen challenge caused systemic
inflammation in allergic mice, with AD
aerosol further enhancing it as determined by the inflammatory
cytokines profile in plasma. In conclusion, asthmatic mice showed altered vascular reactivity and systemic
inflammation, with AD
aerosol further exacerbating these effects.