Method for regulating neurite growth

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of inhibiting neuronal cell death, including protecting neronal cells from cell death and the effects of stress, such as high or low pH, comprising administering to the cells an effective amount of Teneurin C-terminal Associated Peptide (TCAP). The invention provides the use of TCAP to prevent and/or treat a number of brain conditions, such as hypoxiaischemia and brain alkalosis or various brain or spinal cord injuries due to physical or physiological stresse. In one aspect the invention provides a use of TCAP to increase β-tubulin, β-actin levels in neuronal cells and/or to increase fasciculation among neuronal cells, in culture or in tissue. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating various pH induced neuronal conditions.

1 . A method of treating a neuronal condition that would benefit from induction of neurite growth comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of TCAP, pharmaceutical acceptable salt or ester thereof or obvious chemical equivalent thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the neuronal condition is physiological trauma. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the physiological trauma is selected from the group consisting of: hypoxia, injury, infection, cytokine deprivation, carcinogenic agents and cancer. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the physiological trauma is a result of neurodegenerative disease. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the neurodegenerative disease is selected from the group consisting of: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Multiple Sclerosis and brain ischemia. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the physiological traumas is selected from the group consisting of: hypothermia, hypoxia, acute ischemia, hypoxia-ischemia, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic alkalosis and brain alkalosis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the physiological trauma is traumatic injury to the brain or spinal cord. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein cell death is a result of secondary energy failure post the physiological trauma. 
     
     
         9 . A method for increasing fasciculation in neuronal cell cultures or tissue comprising administering to the cells or tissue an effective amount of TCAP, pharmaceutical acceptable salt or ester thereof or obvious chemical equivalent thereof. 
     
     
         10 . A method for increasing β-tubulin and/or β-actin levels in neuronal cells comprising administering to the cells an effective amount of TCAP, pharmaceutical acceptable salt or ester thereof or obvious chemical equivalent thereof.