Prolactin Induced Increase in Neural Stem Cell Numbers

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of increasing neural stem cell numbers or neurogenesis by using prolactin. The method can be practiced in vivo to obtain more neural stem cells in situ, which can in turn produce more neurons or glial cells to compensate for lost or dysfunctional neural cells. The method can also be practiced in vitro to produce a large number of neural stem cells in culture. The cultured stem cells can be used, for example, for transplantation treatment of patients or animals suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or conditions. In addition, since neural stem cells are a source for olfactory neurons, the present invention also provides methods of increasing olfactory neurons and enhancing olfactory functions.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of increasing neural stem cell number in a mammal, comprising selecting a mammal with a neurodegenerative disease or condition and systemically administering to said mammal an effective amount of a growth hormone under conditions which result in an increase in the number of neural stem cells in the mammal. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain injury or stroke. 
     
     
         33 . A method of increasing neural stem cell number in a mammal having or suspected of having a neurodegenerative disease or condition, comprising providing an effective amount of a growth hormone to at least one neural stem cell under conditions which result in an increase in the number of neural stem cells in the mammal. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the neural stem cell is located in the brain of a mammal. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, brain injury or stroke. 
     
     
         36 . A method of reducing a symptom of a CNS injury in a mammal with or suspected of having a CNS injury, comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a growth hormone under conditions which result in reducing the symptom of the CNS injury. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the CNS injury is a brain injury. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the brain injury is a stroke. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the brain injury is associated with brain surgery. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the brain injury is a traumatic brain injury.