The role of adenosine in chondrocyte death in murine osteoarthritis and in a murine chondrocyte cell line

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the role of adenosine in chondrocyte death in murine osteoarthritis (OA).Methods5′-Nucleotidase (5′NT) generates adenosine. Enzyme activity was measured histochemically in normal murine and osteoarthritic STR/ort strain tibial cartilage. Adenosine-mediated cell death was investigated in MC615 chondrocyte cultures. Adenosine receptors (ARs) were assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cellular uptake of [3H] adenosine was measured with or without the inhibitor, nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI). Cell death was assessed by cell counting and DNA laddering following selective receptor stimulation, or after modulating adenosine metabolism with adenosine deaminase (ADA) or adenosine kinase (AK) inhibitors [erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA) and Iodotubericidin (Itub)], or with homocysteine (HC). Markers of apoptosis were assessed by Western blotting. Cell studies were validated by incubating normal murine knee joints in a medium containing adenosine and metabolic inhibitors. Apoptotic chondrocytes were identified with the TUNEL reaction.Results5′NT activity in STR/ort tibial cartilage increased with development of OA, especially close to OA lesions. Adenosine induced MC615 cell death in the presence of ADA inhibition (100 μM EHNA), or 1 mM HC, or both. Adenosine uptake, mediated by NBTI-sensitive adenosine transporters, was required for cell death. ARs were expressed (A2b > A2a > A1) but were not involved in mediating cell death. Cell death involved the activation of caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation and was prevented by inhibiting caspase activity. However, neither caspase-8 nor caspase-9 was detected. Adenosine + EHNA induced chondrocyte apoptosis in normal murine knee joints.ConclusionIncreased adenosine production may induce chondrocyte apoptosis and play a role in OA in STR/ort mice.