Modulation of cellular response to exogenous stimuli

摘要

The present invention relates to novel uses of xanthine derivatives, more particularly pentoxiffyline, derivatives or metabolites thereof, alone or in combination with cytochrome P450 inhibitors, such as e.g. ciprofloxacin. They may be used for treating tumors, hormone-related disorders, neurological or auto immune diseases, for treating patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation or receiving toxic agents. They are useful in modulating the effects of internal and external stimuli on cells by reversing the effects of these stimuli on the short-term secondary messenger pathways. In particular, the compounds of Formula (I), lower elevated levels of unsaturated, non-arachidonate phosphatidic acid (PA) and diacylglycerol (DAG) derived from said PA within seconds of the primary stimulus and their contact with said cells. The modulatory effect depends on the nature of the target cell and the stimulus applied. IMAGE