Abstract: The present invention provides the use of ATP for the manufacture of a medicine for exerting a pharmacological effect when administered to a mammal, preferably a human, selected from the group consisting of: 1°. modulating inflammation by inhibiting the inflammatory response to a strong external insult such as endotoxin (LPS) and/or phytohaemagglutinin; 2°. exerting said inhibitory effect on inflammatory response to an external stimulus even under conditions of oxidative stress, 3°. exerting a local immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory effect in the intestine, thus preventing intestinal damage induced by a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), 4°. exerting an immuno-modulating and anti-inflammatory effect in human intestinal cells in vitro, 5°. alleviating pulmonary symptoms, such as shortness of breath and dyspnoea, in patients suffering from an obstructive pulmonary disease, and 6°.