Activity-dependent adenosine release may be linked to activation of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase: an in vitro rat study.

In the brain, extracellular adenosine increases as a result of neuronal activity. The mechanisms by which this occurs are only incompletely understood. Here we investigate the hypothesis that the Na(+) influxes associated with neuronal signalling activate the Na(+)-K(+) ATPase which, by consuming ATP, generates intracellular adenosine that is then released via transporters.

Sleep-wake sensitive mechanisms of adenosine release in the basal forebrain of rodents: an in vitro study.

Adenosine acting in the basal forebrain is a key mediator of sleep homeostasis. Extracellular adenosine concentrations increase during wakefulness, especially during prolonged wakefulness and lead to increased sleep pressure and subsequent rebound sleep. The release of endogenous adenosine during the sleep-wake cycle has mainly been studied in vivo with microdialysis techniques.