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This study explored the nature of the purine domain N6 regions of the presynaptic adenosine receptors of guinea-pig ileum and of rat vas deferens. The experimental design tested a model of these receptors which is complementary to the structure of the N6 substituent of the classical A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-1-phenyl-2R-propyladenosine, (R-PIA). Assays of activity employed ileal segments or the midportions of vasa deferentia under continuous electrical stimulation at 0.2 Hz. Structure activity correlations compared the EC-50s for twitch inhibition.

The ability of a series of N6-modified N-alkyl-5'-uronamides to cause presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release was examined in isolated guinea-pig ileum stimulated at 0.2 Hz. These analogs inhibited the twitch responses to nerve stimulation, the majority being full agonists with their inhibitory effects being antagonised by theophylline. These analogs had no significant effects on responses of ileum to carbachol. N-ethyl 5'-uronamide substitution resulted in an up to four-fold reduction in activity of N6-substituted adenosine analogs, while stereoselectivity of the N6-substituted analogs continued to be present. 5'-Uronamide substitutions to N6-(3-pentyl)-adenosine resulted in a marked loss of activity when there were large alkyl groups at the amide or with amides of secondary amines. It was concluded that adenosine analogs interact with both the N6 and C-5' regions of the adenosine receptor in this tissue, with the interaction being less than additive.