Methods of prevention and treatment of ischemic damage

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of conferring protection on a population of cells in a subject following an acute degenerative event, comprising: administering an effective amount of the compound in an oil formulation over a course that includes at least one dose within a time that is effectively proximate to the ischemic event, so as to confer protection on the population of cells.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for providing a peak plasma concentration of an estrogen compound to a subject within an effective time for slowing the progression of an acute degenerative condition, comprising: 
 (a) providing an estrogen compound formulated in an oil vehicle;    (b) administering the estrogen formulation to the subject; and    (c) causing a peak plasma concentration of estrogen in the subject within an effective time for slowing the progression of the acute degenerative condition.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the acute degenerative condition is an ischemic event induced degenerative condition  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the effective time is 4 hours.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the estrogen formulation is administered subcutaneously.