Effects of theophylline on adenosine-induced respiratory depression in the preterm rabbit.
The adenosine agonist N6-phenylisopropyladenosine (PIA) was given intraperitoneally to preterm rabbit neonates (29 days gestational age). 1 mg i.p. induced a marked respiratory depression and irregular breathing which could be prevented or antagonized by administration of theophylline. The results indicated a central nervous site of action and it is hypothesized that central adenosine overactivity may have a pathophysiological significance for the irregular breathing or apnea of prematurity sometimes seen in the human neonate.
D000241:Adenosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D005865:Gestational Age; D010660:Phenylisopropyladenosine / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011817:Rabbits; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010660:Phenylisopropyladenosine; D013806:Theophylline; D000241:Adenosine