Adenosine A2A Receptor Mediates Inhibition of Synovitis and Osteoclastogenesis after Electroacupuncture in Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis

Figure 6

EA ameliorates osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB. EA treatment stimulates adenosine release to the extracellular environment, resulting in activation of A2AR. Activated A2AR inhibits TNF-α resulting in decreased binding of RANKL to RANK and finally inhibits osteoclast formation by reducing NF-κB activation. Activated A2AR also affects both the PKA and ERK1/2 signaling pathway and thereby inhibits osteoclast formation by reducing expression of NF-κB.