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The Effects Of Xanthine Analogs On Neonatal Rat And Adult Mouse Respiration, Susan M. Reynolds

Masters Theses

Apnea, a prolonged cessation of breathing, is commonly seen in premature infants. This condition, in its severest form, can be lethal and is a suspected cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Sometimes referred to as apnea of prematurity, recurrent apnea is presently being treated with respiratory stimulants known as methylxanthines (MX) such as theophylline and caffeine. The benefits of MXs are accompanied by central nervous system stimulation and cardiostimulation which may be detrimental to a premature infant. Theophylline (1,3-diMX) has been shown to produce some of its effects by antagonizing endogenous adenosine. Another xanthine, enprofylline (3-propylxanthine), is presently being …