Methods of and compositions for reducing neuronal cell death
Methods and compositions involving a class of boron-protected phenylphosphine agents having increased cell permeability and having improved chemical stability for treating or for preventing neuronal cell death-related diseases or conditions in a human or a non-human animal.
1. A method for protecting a neuronal cell from cell death, the method comprising the step of:
exposing one or more neuronal cells to an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound having a formula of:
wherein two of R 1 to R 3 are aryl groups or substituted aryl groups and one of R 1 -R 3 is CH 2 CH 2 COOCH 3 ; and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the aryl group is a phenyl group and the substituted aryl group is a substituted phenyl group.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the substituted aryl group comprises an aromatic ring directly linked to the phosphorus.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound defined by the formula is (3-propionic acid methyl ester)diphenylphosphine borane complex.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuronal cells are neurons.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the neurons are retinal ganglion cells.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuronal cells are human or non-human animal neuronal cells.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuronal cells are protected in vivo in a human or in a non-human animal.
9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
a compound having a formula of:
wherein two of R 1 -R 3 are aryl groups or substituted aryl groups and one of R 1 -R 3 is CH 2 CH 2 COOCH 3 ; and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.