title: In vivo N7 methylation of theophylline to caffeine in premature infants. Studies with use of stable isotopes.
abstract: We studied the metabolism of theophylline in premature neonates by the use of molecules labelled with stable isotopes. 2 prematures received from birth up to 8th day of life 3 mg/kg/8 h of a mixed solution containing 46% of labelled and 54% of unlabelled theophylline. Plasma levels of caffeine and theophylline, measured by gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis, demonstrated the in vivo biotransformation of theophylline to caffeine in prematures.
mesh_terms: D002110:Caffeine / Q000378:metabolism*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008745:Methylation; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000378:metabolism; D013806:Theophylline / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D002110:Caffeine; D013806:Theophylline; D010634:Phenobarbital