Fredholm B.B. (ed.) Methylxanthines [Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 200]

Springer. 2011. 566 p.

In the present volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology well known experts describe the actions of different xanthines with a focus on caffeine and theophylline. A special chapter is devoted to theobromine, an active component of chocolate, the actions of which are less well characterized. This book also presents the pharmacology of one xanthine derivative, propentofylline, as an example of a xanthine that has gone through extensive development for a novel therapeutic area.

Contents

Notes on the History of Caffeine Use
Distribution, Biosynthesis and Catabolism of Methylxanthines in Plants
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Natural Methylxanthines in Animal and Man
Inhibition of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases by Methylxanthines and Related Compounds
Methylxanthines and Ryanodine Receptor Channels
Xanthines as Adenosine Receptor Antagonists
Theobromine and the Pharmacology of Cocoa
Propentofylline: Glial Modulation, Neuroprotection, and Alleviation of Chronic Pain
Methylxanthines, Seizures, and Excitotoxicity
Impacts of Methylxanthines and Adenosine Receptors on Neurodegeneration: Human and Experimental Studies
Methylxanthines and Pain
Methylxanthines and Sleep
Methylxanthines and Reproduction
Methylxanthines During Pregnancy and Early Postnatal Life
Methylxanthines and the Kidney
The Cardiovascular Effects of Methylxanthines
Methylxanthines in Asthma
Methylxanthines and Inflammatory Cells
Methylxanthines, Inflammation, and Cancer: Fundamental Mechanisms
Methylxanthines and Drug Dependence: A Focus on Interactions with Substances of Abuse
Methylxanthines and Human Health: Epidemiological and Experimental Evidence