APOAEQUORIN FOR REDUCING NEURONAL INJURY DUE TO ISCHEMIA
The present invention provides apoaequorin-based compositions and methods for preconditioning neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia. Methods include the step of administering apoaequorin to neurons in a subject, wherein the apoaequorin initiates a change in cytokine expression levels resulting in a reduction of neuronal injury due to brain ischemia as compared to neurons not administered the apoaequorin. Various formulations, including injectable dosages, are described.
1 . A method of preconditioning neurons to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia in a subject, comprising administering apoaequorin to neurons in a subject, wherein the apoaequorin initiates a change in cytokine expression levels resulting in a reduction in neuronal injury due to brain ischemia in the subject, as compared to neurons not administered the apoaequorin.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein administration of the apoaequorin is by injection.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the injection is an intra-hippocampal injection.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject is human.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reduction in neuronal injury effect lasts at least 24 hours from the time of apoaequorin administration.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the reduction in neuronal injury lasts at least 48 hours from the time of apoaequorin administration.
7 . Use of apoaequorin for the manufacture of a medicament for preconditioning neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia.
8 . Apoaequorin for use in preconditioning neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia.
9 . A composition for preconditioning neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia, comprising:
(a) a therapeutically effective dosage of apoaequorin to precondition neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia; and
(b) a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.
10 . The composition of claim 9 , wherein the composition is formulated as an injectable dosage.
11 . A kit for preconditioning neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia, comprising:
(a) a therapeutically effective dosage of apoaequorin to precondition neurons in a subject to reduce neuronal injury due to brain ischemia; and
(b) a delivery device configured to administer said amount of apoaequorin to the subject.