Method of promoting mucosal hydration with certain uridine, adenine and cytidine diphosphates and analogs thereof

This invention relates to a method of regulating secretions in and around the mucous membranes of a mammal by administering purinergic receptor agonists such as certain uridine, adenine, or cytidine diphosphates as well as other nucleoside phosphate compounds. A method and preparation for the stimulation of mucosal hydration in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mucosal surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), dinucleotide triphosphates; cytidine 5′-diphosphate (CDP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate mucin secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form. A method for facilitating the expectoration of sputum for the purpose of detecting cellular abnormalities indicative of lung disease is also disclosed.