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The Sound of Evolution
Theobromine
Mechanism of action:
Theobromine is a methylxanthine compound. Theobromine inhibits phosphodiesterase much more weakly than caffeine or theophylline, but it can still mildly increase intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels, leading to smooth muscle relaxation, mild bronchodilation, and vasodilation. Theobromine also mildly antagonizes adenosine receptor A₁ and A₂A, reducing the inhibitory effects of adenosine on the central nervous system.
Reference(s):
1. Usmani OS et al. (2005). Theobromine inhibits sensory nerve activation and cough. FASEB J.
2. Slattery ML et al. (1993). Smoking, alcohol, coffee, tea, caffeine, and theobromine: risk of prostate cancer in Utah (United States). Cancer Causes Control.
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