BackgroundIntrathecally administered adenosine receptor agonists have antinociceptive effects in animals, suggesting that intrathecal adenosine might provide analgesia in humans. The authors performed preclinical neurotoxicity studies to define the safety of intrathecally administered adenosine in rats and dogs.MethodsEighteen rats with long‐term intrathecal catheters received daily injections of saline or 100 &mgr;g adenosine for 4 days and were observed for general behavior and thermal nociception before being killed on day 6. Nine beagle dogs were prepared with long‐term, lumbar intrathecal catheters and infused continuously with saline or adenosine, 2.4 mg/day for 48 h, then 7.2 mg/day for 26 days. Animals were then anesthetized and perfused with preservative and their spinal cords were examined systematically.ResultsNo disturbances in neurologic function were detected in either animal species. intrathecal adenosine caused transient sedation in rats and increased muscle tone in dogs, resolving with continued exposure to drug. Neither adenosine‐ nor saline‐treated rats or dogs showed acute thermal analgesia. Adenosine groups did not differ from saline groups regarding histopathology, although a moderate fibrotic and inflammatory reaction was noted in both, and protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were increased in both.ConclusionThe current study in rats and dogs failed to provide behavioral or histologic evidence of neurotoxicity from intrathecal administration of adenosine. This provides evidence for the presumption of safety of adenosine in this dose range, and supports phase I safety trials of acute intrathecal adenosine administration in humans.