Promoting Recovery from Damage to the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Methods, kits and compositions for improving a subject's recovery from CNS injury are disclosed. In certain aspects, a method may include administering to a subject cells and a neural stimulant. Recovery may be manifest by improvements in sensorimotor or cognitive abilities, e.g., improved limb movement and control or improved speech capability. In certain embodiments, subject methods can be used as part of a treatment for damage resulting from ischemia, hypoxia or trauma.

1 . A method of treating a subject with CNS ischemic damage, the method comprising administering to the subject: 
 neural stem cells; and    a fibroblast growth factor (FGF);    wherein the conjoint administration of the neural stem cells and the FGF ameliorates effects of CNS ischemic damage.    
     
     
         2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the FGF is a basic fibroblast growth factor.  
     
     
         3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the neural stem cells are obtained from fetal blood.  
     
     
         4 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the neural stem cells are administered intravenously, intracerebrally, intraventricularly or intracisternally.  
     
     
         5 . A method as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the neural stem cells and the FGF are both administered intravenously.  
     
     
         6 . A method of treating a subject with brain damage resulting from stroke, the method comprising administering to the subject: 
 neural stem cells; and    a fibroblast growth factor (FGF);    wherein the conjoint treatment with the neural stem cells and the FGF ameliorates effects of brain damage.    
     
     
         7 . A method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the conjoint treatment is initiated at least 6 hours after the stroke was diagnosed.  
     
     
         8 . A method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the FGF is a basic fibroblast growth factor.  
     
     
         9 . A method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the neural stem cells are obtained from fetal blood.  
     
     
         10 . A method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the neural stem cells are administered intravenously, intracerebrally, intraventricularly or intracisternally.  
     
     
         11 . A method as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the neural stem cells and the FGF are both administered intravenously.  
     
     
         12 . A method of treating a subject with CNS ischemic damage, the method comprising administering to the subject: 
 stem cells obtained from blood; and    a fibroblast growth factor (FGF);    wherein the conjoint administration of the stem cells obtained from blood and the FGF ameliorates effects of CNS ischemic damage.    
     
     
         13 . A method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the FGF is a basic fibroblast growth factor.  
     
     
         14 . A method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the neural stem cells are obtained from fetal blood.  
     
     
         15 . A method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the neural stem cells are administered intravenously, intracerebrally, intraventricularly or intracisternally.  
     
     
         16 . A method as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the neural stem cells and the FGF are both administered intravenously.  
     
     
         17 . A method of treating a subject with CNS ischemic damage, the method comprising administering to the subject: 
 fetal blood cells; and    a fibroblast growth factor (FGF);    wherein the conjoint administration of the fetal blood cells and the FGF ameliorates effects of CNS ischemic damage.    
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the FGF is a basic fibroblast growth factor.  
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the neural stem cells are administered intravenously, intracerebrally, intraventricularly or intracisternally.  
     
     
         20 . A method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the neural stem cells and the FGF are both administered intravenously.