Novel, heterocyclic compounds having at least one ring nitrogen, disclosed side chains and, in some embodiments, an oxygen ortho to the ring nitrogen inhibit inflammatory responses associated with TNF-&agr; and fibroblast proliferation in vivo and in vitro. The compounds of the invention neither appreciably inhibit the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase nor the hydrolysis of phosphatidic acid, and are neither cytotoxic nor cytostatic. Preferred compounds of the invention are esters. Methods for the use of the novel compounds to inhibit ceramide-mediated intracellular responses in stimuli in vivo (particularly TN-&agr;) are also described. The methods are expected to be of use in reducing inflammatory responses (for example, after angioplasty), in limiting fibrosis (for example, of the liver in cirrhosis), in inhibiting cell senescence, cell apoptosis and UV induced cutaneous immune suppression. Compounds having enhanced water solubility are also described.