The invention relates to Purine Derivatives, compositions comprising aneffective amount of a Purine Derivative; and methods for reducing an animal~srate of metabolism, protecting an animal~s heart against myocardial damageduring cardioplegia; or for treating or preventing a cardiovascular disease, aneurological disorder, an ischemic condition, a reperfusion injury, obesity,or wasting disease, or diabetes, comprising administering an effective amountof a Purine Derivative to an animal in need thereof.