Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:4.6.1.1 (adenylate cyclase)
 19,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

An understanding of the physiology of vascular smooth muscle and knowledge of the reaction of such muscle to certain drugs are essential for the development of a means of treating cerebral arterial spasm. The role of cyclic nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle activity is reviewed and possible therapeutic approaches are listed. Probably the safest and most effective treatment would be 1) stimulation of the adenyl cyclase-cyclic adenosine monophosphate system by a beta(2)-adrenergic drug combined with 2) inhibition of the phosphodiesterase system.
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PMID:A review of recent advances in vascular smooth muscle pharmacology. 1 4

Levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the basilar artery and in circulating blood of cats were determined after the production of spasm by topical application of blood to the vessel and following treatment with agents known to alter cyclic AMP. Isoproterenol, known to stimulate adenyl cyclase, and aminophylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, were studied alone and in combination. Cyclic AMP of the basilar artery fell from a mean control value of 43 to 26 pmoles per milligram of protein following the production of vasospasm. Intravenous administration of isoproterenol alone and in combination with aminophylline produced dilatation of the basilar artery, which was associated with a marked rise in the cyclic AMP concentration in the vessel. The finding that cerebral vasospasm is associated with a fall and vasodilation with a rise in cyclic AMP concentration supports the hypothesis of an active role for cyclic nucleotides in the regulation of cerebrovascular smooth muscle tone.
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PMID:Experimental alterations in cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations in the cat basilar artery. 18 Apr 56

Asthma is defined as an obstructive disease of the pulmonary airways resulting from spasm of airway muscle, increased mucus secretion, and inflammation. The airways of asthmatic individuals are hyperresponsive to a variety of stimuli including cold air, atmospheric irritants, pharmacologically active chemicals, various drugs, and hyperventilation. The fundamental abnormality underlying the hyperresponsiveness appears to be genetically determined; two theories explaining the abnormality have received the most attention. One theory suggests that asthma is due to abnormal beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase function with decreased adrenergic responsiveness. An alternate theory proposes that increased cholinergic activity in the airway is the fundamental defect in the disease. The true prevalence of asthma has been difficult to determine owing to uncertainties regarding the definition of the disease. Prevalence in various populations of children ranged from 1.37% to 11.4% or higher. Most studies report a preponderance of asthma in boys over girls, with ratios varying from 1.3:1 to 3.3:1. Risk factors for the disease include a history of atopy, acute lower respiratory tract disease, parental cigarette smoking, and bronchiolitis or croup. The spectrum of asthma is that of an illness beginning early in life and persisting, in some cases, through adulthood. Signs of the disease may be apparent in the first 2 yr of life and are often associated with viral respiratory infections. Disproportionate narrowing of peripheral airways and decreased static elastic recoil properties of the lung predispose infants and young children to asthma. During midchildhood there is a tendency toward improvement, with continued improvement during adolescence. The goal of management of the child with asthma is to reduce symptoms sufficiently so that the child can regularly attend school, engage in play activities, and sleep through the night uninterrupted, while avoiding unacceptable levels of adverse drug effects. Nonpharmacologic management includes both avoidance of environmental irritants and behavioral approaches to overcome emotional precipitants that lead to attacks. Pharmacologic treatment includes the use of four classes of drugs: (1) adrenergics, (2) theophylline, (3) cromolyn, and (4) corticosteroids. The prognosis of asthma in childhood is good. Although airway activity may remain abnormal for indefinite periods of time, most children reach a state where they are virtually free of symptoms.
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PMID:Asthma in childhood. 641 12