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Theobromine inhibits sensory nerve activation and cough
Author(s) -
Usmani Omar S.,
Belvisi Maria G.,
Patel Hema J.,
Crispino Natascia,
Birrell Mark A.,
Korbonits Márta,
Korbonits Dezsö,
Barnes Peter J.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fj.04-1990fje
Subject(s) - theobromine , cough reflex , pharmacology , capsaicin , medicine , sensory nerve , anesthesia , guinea pig , reflex , sensory system , neuroscience , theophylline , receptor , biology
Cough is a common and protective reflex, but persistent coughing is debilitating and impairs quality of life. Antitussive treatment using opioids is limited by unacceptable side effects, and there is a great need for more effective remedies. The present study demonstrates that theobromine, a methylxanthine derivative present in cocoa, effectively inhibits citric acid‐induced cough in guinea‐pigs in vivo. Furthermore, in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in man, theobromine suppresses capsaicin‐induced cough with no adverse effects. We also demonstrate that theobromine directly inhibits capsaicin‐induced sensory nerve depolarization of guinea‐pig and human vagus nerve suggestive of an inhibitory effect on afferent nerve activation. These data indicate the actions of theobromine appear to be peripherally mediated. We conclude theobromine is a novel and promising treatment, which may form the basis for a new class of antitussive drugs.