IgG stimulated remyelination of peripheral nerves
View Patent ↗The present invention is based on the discovery of polyclonal IgG's ability to promote Schwann cell maturation, differentiation, and myelin production. Methods for treating non-idiopathic, demyelinating peripheral neuropathies in mammals, where the neuropathy is not immune-mediated or infection-mediated, through the administration of polyclonal IgG are provided. Types of demyelinating peripheral neuropathies treatable with the present invention include peripheral nerve trauma and toxin-induced peripheral neuropathies. Alternatively, a composition of polyclonal IgGs can be applied directly to a peripheral nerve cell to induce maturation, differentiation into a myelinating state, and myelin expression or promote cell survival.
1. A method of treating a trauma induced demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of polyclonal IgG to a mammal diagnosed with said neuropathy, wherein the polyclonal IgG is administered systemically or locally to the site of the trauma.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mammal is human.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein an anti-inflammatory agent is co-administered with the polyclonal IgG to the mammal.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is adrenocorticotropic hormone.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the schedule of administration of the polyclonal IgG is weekly administration.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polyclonal IgG is administered to the mammal at a dose of about 0.05 to 5 g per kg of patient body weight.
7. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is a corticosteroid.
8. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is an interferon.
9. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is glatiramer acetate.
10. The method of claim 3 , wherein the anti-inflammatory agent is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the schedule of administration of the polyclonal IgG is biweekly administration.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the schedule of administration of the polyclonal IgG is monthly administration.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polyclonal IgG is administered to the mammal at a dose of about 0.5 to 2 g per kg of patient body weight.