Oligodendrocyte Production from Multipotent Neural Stem Cells

Abstract

This invention relates to methods of producing oligodendrocytes from multipotent neural stem cells by using at least one oligodendrocyte promoting factor, particularly granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, interleukin 3 or interleukin 5. The neural stem cells may optionally be expanded prior to being subjected to the oligodendrocyte promoting factor.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method for treating or ameliorating a demyelinating disease in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), wherein the demyelinating disease in the mammal is multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is administered into a ventricle in the brain of the mammal. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is administered into the lateral ventricle of the mammal. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is administered systemically to the mammal. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the mammal is human.