Adenosine stimulation of DNA synthesis in human endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to adenosine were analyzed after the incorporation of [3H]thymidine to determine the mitogenic effects of the purine nucleoside. Exposure of HUVECs to adenosine increased [3H]thymidine incorporation due to increased rate of DNA synthesis which was attenuated by blocking Na+/H+ exchange and phospholipase A2 activity. Furthermore, adenosine-stimulated DNA synthesis in HUVEC cells was activated by adenosine 3',5'-triphosphate via P2 receptors or phorbol ester activation of protein kinase C.