Authors: Pena, Fernando; Garcia, Octavio

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 13, Number 22, September 2006 , pp. 2681-2693(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Breathing is generated and controlled by a brainstem neuronal network. Both intrinsic and synaptic interactions are involved in respiratory rhythm generation and their contribution is state-dependent, changing with hypoxia and the neuromodulatory state. Cellular mechanisms involved in acute or chronic pathological conditions are still unknown. A dysfunction in the neuronal network that controls breathing may be involved in several respiratory disorders such as central sleep apnea, sudden infant death syndrome, congenital hypoventilation, and in some clinical conditions that produce breathing dysfunction such as drug-induced respiratory depression, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, etc. Despite the fact that several drugs are currently used to treat these diseases, the probable effects of this pharmacotherapy on the central rhythm generator and on other neuronal networks related with breathing control is poorly understood. Here, we review the current pharmacological approaches in the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as acetazolamide, theophylline, aminophylline, progesterone, nitric oxide. Possible effects of these drugs on the central respiratory network are discussed and putative therapeutic targets for the development of future pharmacological therapies suggested.

Keywords: Breathing; respiratory network; preBotzinger complex; neuromodulation; respiratory disorders; respiratory pharmacotherapy

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Departamento de Farmacobiologia,Cinvestav-Sede Sur, Calz. de los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa,14330, Mexico D.F. Mexico.

Publication date: 2006-09-01

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• Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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