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Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines01:24

Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines

Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists01:20

Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists

Muscarinic receptor antagonists, also known as antimuscarinic agents, are a class of bronchodilators used to treat asthma, although they are more commonly used to treat COPD. They work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter, on muscarinic receptors found in the airways.
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents01:28

Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents

Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:

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A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
05:56

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion

Published on: May 12, 2023

Methylxanthines in asthma.

Stephen L Tilley1

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. stephen_tilley@med.unc.edu

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|September 23, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The asthma drug theophylline effectively treats airflow obstruction, hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory effects at lower doses make it a key controller medication for chronic asthma.

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In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
10:20

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

Published on: June 25, 2012

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion
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A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion

Published on: May 12, 2023

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
10:20

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice

Published on: June 25, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Methylxanthines, particularly theophylline, are established asthma therapeutics.
  • Theophylline addresses key asthma features: airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying theophylline's therapeutic effects in asthma.
  • To differentiate theophylline's actions at low and high serum concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Investigation of phosphodiesterase inhibition and adenosine receptor antagonism.
  • Analysis of effects on histone deacetylase activity at lower concentrations.
  • Correlation of molecular actions with clinical effects in asthma.

Main Results:

  • Theophylline exhibits bronchodilatory effects at high serum levels via phosphodiesterase inhibition and adenosine receptor antagonism.
  • At lower concentrations, theophylline acts as an immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and bronchoprotective agent, potentially through histone deacetylase activity.
  • These lower-concentration effects are crucial for its role in chronic asthma management.

Conclusions:

  • Theophylline's anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions occur at lower serum concentrations than bronchodilation.
  • Theophylline is best utilized as a controller medication for chronic, persistent asthma.
  • Understanding these mechanisms optimizes theophylline's therapeutic application in asthma care.