In this study, we focused on the anti-inflammatory effect of cordycepin, 3'-deoxyadenosine. Cordycepin potently suppressed nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in an adenosine receptor-independent manner. In addition, inhibitors for adenosine kinase and nucleoside transporter abrogated the action of cordycepin. Thus, we considered that intracellular metabolism cordycepin is important for the anti-inflammatory effect of cordycepin.
Keywords: RAW 264.7 cells; adenosine kinase; adenosine receptor; cordycepin; nitric oxide.