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US Patent Number

5939407

Publication Date

8-17-1999

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method of protecting against neuron loss in a subject by administering a compound that protects against neuron loss by acting through a vitamin D receptor. Some of these compounds may prevent or retard neuron loss by regulating intraneuronal and/or peripheral calcium and phosphate levels. Other compounds of the invention act through a vitamin D receptor to protect against neuron loss through mechanisms not involving calcium or phosphate regulation. A preferred compound is a biologically active form of vitamin D, a precursor, metabolite, or analog of vitamin D. A preferred form of vitamin D is calcitriol. In another embodiment, the compound is a compound that acts by modulating the biological activity of vitamin D, a precursor, metabolite, or analog of vitamin D. For example, the compound may modulate the biological activity of the vitamin D compound by regulating the amount of the vitamin D compound which is available to protect against neuron loss or it may act by altering the ability of the vitamin D compound to protect against neuron loss. In an alternative embodiment, the compound is a compound that protects against neuron loss through a mechanism similar to that of the vitamin D compound but not involving a vitamin D receptor. The compound is administered to a subject in an amount and over a period of time effective to protect against neuron loss.

Assignees

University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, Ky.

Application Number

08/942,560

Filing Date

10/01/1997

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