Animal Models of Depression: A Focus on Adenosine Signaling at A2A Receptors

This review focuses on the role of the purine nucleoside adenosine in animal models of depression. There is evidence provided that adenosine A2A receptors are involved in several animal models of depression: learned helplessness, behavioral despair, reserpine-induced depression, and effort-related choice. In these models, adenosine A2A antagonists reverse behavioral deficits and exhibit a profile similar to that of classical antidepressants, suggesting that adenosine A2Aantagonists could be useful in the treatment of depression.