The Adenosine Receptor Agonist 5’-N-Ethylcarboxamide-Adenosine Increases Glucose 6-Phosphatase Expression and Gluconeogenesis

Intraperitoneal administration of the non-selective adenosine receptor agonist 5’-N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine (NECA) (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) increased fasting serum glucose levels in mice. To clarify the mechanism responsible for this, the expression of liver glucose 6-phosphatase (G6Pase: a gluconeogenic enzyme) was analyzed, and it was found that G6Pase mRNA was increased by NECA treatment. Administration of 0.3 mg/kg NECA resulted in elevated serum glucose levels at 1 h and were further elevated at 6 h. Administration of 0.1 mg/kg NECA increased serum glucose levels at 1 h and had returned to control levels by 6 h. The increase in fasting serum glucose levels induced by NECA are thought to be caused, in part, by elevated G6Pase expression.