THE STRIATAL HETERODIMERS A2AR-D2Rs ARE LINKED TO ERGOGENIC EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE

Adenosine 2A receptors (A 2A Rs) are abundant in the striatum, and they are found co-localized with dopamine D2 receptors (D 2 R) and in the heterodimer form A 2A R-D 2 R. Previous we demonstrated that caffeine delays central fatigue through adenosine 2A receptors (A 2A Rs) antagonism, striatal neuroplasticity and mitochondrial metabolism enhancement. In this study we demonstrate the participation of striatal A 2A R-D 2 R in the ergogenic outcomes. Two-hundred swiss adult mice were treated systemically (i.p.) and centrally (striatum-st.) with caffeine, SCH58261 (A 2A R antagonist), DPCPX (A 1 R antagonist) and haloperidol (D 2 R antagonist), and performed the open field test, treadmill incremental exercise and grip strength meter test We observed that A 2A R-D 2 R antagonic effects are linked to motor control ( p < 0.05) and enhancement of power ( p < 0.05). However, the role of A 2A R-D 2 R in the mechanism of strength generation seems to differ from motor control.