Edited by Kenneth A. Jacobson and Michael F. Jarvis

The roles of extracellular purines and pyrimidines in cellular homeostasis and disease etiology have come to be understood gradually over the past 40 years. However, due to the recent cloning and expression of receptors for ATP and adenosine, novel compounds have been developed with unique therapeutic potential for the treatment of thrombosis, stroke, epilepsy, chronic pain, immunological disorders, and cancer. As a result, the study of adenosine- and ATP-mediated responses in cellular regulation is entering a phase of...

Research on purine derivatives as potent and selective modulators of physiologic functions has moved to center stage. This volume covers the biology and chemistry of purines and of their receptors broadly under these section headings: - Adenosine Receptors and Effector Systems - Adenine Nucleotide Receptors and Effector Systems - Phosphodiesterase Enzymes and Inhibitors The presentations focus on the potential development of clinically useful drugs and powerful agents that activate or block purinergic receptors or that inhibit phosphodiesterases. Xanthines (caffeine and theophylline)...