Modulation of the release of adenosine by glucose and chemical hypoxia in cultured renal cells (MDCK line)

The effect of changes in the external concentrations of glucose on the release of adenosine of cultured renal cells (MDCK line) was studied. Adenosine release was markedly increased by the addition of glucose (5.5 mM) to monolayers of MDCK cells deprived of glucose for 24 hours. Addition of glucose to either the apical or basolateral side of the monolayer elicited a marked release of adenosine at the contralateral compartment. Removal of sodium in the external media blunted the response to glucose. Methylglucose that is transported into the cell but not metabolized also markedly increased adenosine release. Deoxyglucose that induces chemical hypoxia stimulated the release of adenosine. These results suggest that variations in extracellular glucose might be a physiological modulator of the cell regulation of adenosine.