| abstract |
The invention provides a method for regulating the secretions of water and mucins and the transport of fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. The invention also provides a method of treating a gastrointestinal disease in which the mucosal barrier of the gastrointestinal tract is impaired. The invention also provides a method for correcting fluid secretion or absorption disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. The method consists in administering to a patient a pharmaceutical composition containing a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist, in an amount effective to regulate the secretions of water and mucins or to correct the abnormal transport of fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. The pharmaceutical composition used in this invention contains a P2Y purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5-diphosphate (UDP), uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP), 5'-cytidine diphosphate (CDP), 5'- citidine triphosphate (CTP), 5'-adenosine diphosphate (ADP), 5'-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its analogues; and dinucleotide polyphosphate compounds of the general formula (IV). The compound is prepared in an oral form, in an injectable form or in a suppository form, and is administered to the patient. |