Abstract: The present invention encompasses structures of the formula ##STR1## wherein: X is oxygen, methylene, or difluoromethylene;n=0 or 1;m=0 or 1;n+m=0, 1 or 2; andB and B' are each independently a purine residue or a pyrimidine residue linked through the 9- or 1-position, respectively, provided that compounds disclosed in Table I are excluded. In the instance where B and B' are uracil, attached at the N-1 position to the ribosyl moiety, then the total of m+n may equal 3 or 4 when X is oxygen.The compounds of the present invention are highly selective agonists of the P2Y.sub.2 purinergic receptor, thus, they are useful in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as chronic bronchitis, PCD, cystic fibrosis, as well as prevention of pneumonia due to immobility. Furthermore, because of their general ability to clear retained mucus secretions and stimulate ciliary beat frequency, the compounds of the present invention are also useful in the treatment of sinusitis and otitis media.

Abstract: A method of promoting drainage of congested mucous secretions in the sinuses of a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the sinuses of the subject a uridine phosphate such as uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) or P.sup.1,P.sup.4 -di(uridine-5') tetraphosphate (U.sub.2 P.sub.4), an analog of UTP, or any other analog, in an amount effective to promote drainage of congested fluid in the sinuses by hydrating mucous secretions or by stimulating ciliary beat frequency in the sinuses. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include any liquid suspension (including nasal drops or spray), oral form (liquid or pill), aerosol inhalation, powder form, topical, injected, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.