Effect of adenosine on the formation of prostacyclin in the rabbit isolated heart.

1. The effect of adenosine on cardiac biosynthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2) was investigated. Rabbit hearts were perfused according to Langendorff at controlled pressure (with or without theophylline), or at controlled flow. The content of 6-keto-prostaglandin1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha, metabolite of PGI2) in the coronary effluent under basal conditions and during infusion of adenosine was determined using a highly specific radioimmunoassay. 2. In other experiments, rings of rabbit aorta were incubated with or without adenosine and the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was analysed as above. 3. Administration of adenosine (10 micron) to hearts perfused at controlled pressure increased the coronary flow by up to 38%. The peak concentration of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in the effluent exceeded the control by 177% (P less than 0.01), and the total efflux of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha exceeded the control by 179% (P less than 0.001). Theophylline (50 micron) reduced these effects of adenosine by 23%, 43% and 51%, respectively, without influencing the uptake of adenosine into the heart. 4. When adenosine (1-10 micron) was administered to hearts perfused at controlled flow, a dose-dependent decrease in the perfusion pressure, by 27% and 44% respectively, was observed. In parallel, the resulting increase in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha efflux was considerably lower (49% (P less than 0.05) and 43% (NS), respectively). A similar decrease in perfusion pressure induced in the absence of adenosine decreased the efflux of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, by 15% (P less than 0.01) and 32% (P less than 0.001), respectively. 5. Addition of adenosine (1-10 microM) to incubates of rabbit aortic rings did not significantly affect the concentration of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in the incubation medium in comparison with control. 6. We conclude that adenosine stimulates rabbit heart PGI2 formation, mainly by an action related to the vasodilator effect of the nucleoside.