Showing papers on "Antitussive Agent published in 1999"

Influence of central antitussive drugs on the cough motor pattern

Abstract: The present study was conducted to determine the effects of administration of centrally active antitussive drugs on the cough motor pattern. Electromyograms of diaphragm and rectus abdominis muscle...

Treatment of persistent dry cough: if possible, treat the cause; if not, treat the cough.

Abstract: Persistent dry cough is a common presenting symptom which may be associated with considerable morbidity. In the majority of patients, systematic investigation reveals an underlying cause, usually asthma, postnasal drip, gastrooesophageal reflux or various combinations of these conditions. Intensive treatment of the underlying cause usually leads to improvement or resolution of the cough. However, in a minority of patients, no underlying cause is identified despite appropriate investigation. In these patients with idiopathic persistent dry cough, cough sensitivity to inhaled tussigens is enhanced, suggesting that increased sensitivity of airway sensory nerves is important in pathogenesis. An ideal antitussive would reduce this increased sensitivity to normal levels without significant adverse effects but currently available antitussives fall short of this expectation. This review discusses the currently available antitussive therapy and explores potential avenues for the development of future novel antitussive therapies.

[Possible role of sigma-receptors in the regulation of cough reflex, gastrointestinal and retinal function]

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of our current understanding of the role of sigma-receptors in the regulation of cough, gastrointestinal and retinal function. Systemic administration of N-(+)-allylnormetazocine ((+)SKF-10,047), 1,2-di-(2-toyl)guanidine (DTG) or pentazocine markedly reduced the number of coughs in a dose-dependent manner. The antitussive effect of these sigma-receptor ligands was significantly reduced by pretreatment with haloperidol or rimcazol, a specific antagonist of sigma-receptors. Antitussive effects of dextromethorphan and noscapine were significantly and dose-dependently reduced by pretreatment with rimcazole. However, rimcazole did not have a significant effect on the antitussive effect of morphine. These results suggest that haloperidol-sensitive sigma-receptors may be involved in the antitussive mechanism of non-narcotic antitussive drugs. Selective sigma-receptor ligands such as (+)SKF-10,047, DTG and (+)pentazocine elicit a potent protection against gastric and duodenal ulcers. Ulcerprotective activity of sigma-receptor ligands may be related to their stimulating effect on bicarbonate secretion through interaction with sigma-receptors in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Activation of sigma-receptors in retina protect retinal cells against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. It is possible that sigma-receptor ligands may be useful as therapeutic drugs against retinal disease with ischemia-induced neuronal cell death such as retinal artery occlusion, diabetes mellitus or glaucoma.