Methods for increasing schwann cell survival

• US 20030004104A1
• Filed: 03/22/2002
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nadine A. Tatton, William G. Tatton
• Original Assignee: Nadine A. Tatton, William G. Tatton
• Inventors: Tatton, Nadine A., Tatton, William G.
• Granted Patent: US 7,160,857 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 514/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/137 Arylalkylamines, e.g. amphetamine, epinephrine, salbutamol, ephedrine or methadone
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/195 having an amino group

Abstract

Methods for increasing Schwann cell survival are disclosed. The methods of the invention are useful for the treatment of conditions such as peripheral neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathies.

Claims

1. A method for increasing survival of Schwann cells, comprising administering an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a deprenyl compound, N-acetyl cysteine and IGF-1, to a patient such that survival of Schwann cells is increased.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the deprenyl compound is represented by the structure:

3. The method of claim 2, wherein R₁ is a group that can be removed in vivo.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein R₁ is hydrogen.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein R₁ is alkyl.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein R₁ is methyl.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein R₂ is methyl.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein R₃ is methylene.

9. The method of claim 2, wherein R₄ is aryl.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein R₄ is phenyl.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein R₅ is methylene.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein R₆ is

—

C≡

—

CH.

13. The method of claim 2, wherein the deprenyl compound is represented by the structure:

14. The method of claim 2, wherein the deprenyl compound is represented by the structure:

15. The method of claim 2, wherein the deprenyl compound is represented by the structure:

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient is a human.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein said deprenyl compound is (-)-desmethyldeprenyl.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said deprenyl compound is (-)-desmethyldeprenyl.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said neuropathy is selected from the group consisitng of diabetic neuropathy and AIDS-related neuropathy.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein said patient is a human.

18. A method for inhibiting peripheral neuropathy, comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a deprenyl compound, N-acetyl cysteine and IGF-1, such that peripheral neuropathy is inhibited.

22. A method for increasing Schwann cell survival in vitro, comprising contacting Schwann cells with an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a deprenyl compouind, N-acetyl cysteine and IGF-1 such that Schwann cell survival is increased.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said patient is a human.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the deprenyl compound is (-)-desmethyldeprenyl.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the (-)-desmethyldeprenyl is administered transdermally to the patient.

23. A method for increasing Schwann cell survival in a patient, comprising contacting a Schwann cell with a compound selected from the group consisitng of a deprenyl compound, N-acetyl cysteine and IGF-1, such that Schwann cell survival increases.

27. A method for treating peripheral neuropathy, comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a deprenyl compound, N-acetyl cysteine and IGF-1, such that peripheral neuropathy is treated.