Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting hematopoietic stem cells from the myelotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy, which comprises, administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of transforming growth factor beta 1 for protecting bone marrow from the myelotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy. The TGF.beta.1 may be administered prior (e.g. 24 hours) to the administration of the chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy. Preferably, the TGF.beta.1 is administered to the subject in an amount of about 5 .mu.g to 25 .mu.g per kg body weight. The patient or subject of the present invention may be a mammal (e.g. human, domestic animal such as horse, cow, dog, cat or pig) and is preferably a human being. The mode of administration is either by interfemoral arterial, interperitoneally or subcutaneously, and preferably is by injection.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 7, 1992
Date of Patent:
January 11, 1994
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
Inventors:
Jonathan R. Keller, Francis W. Ruscetti, Robert Wiltrout
Abstract: A novel human megakaryocytopoietic growth promoting activity factor capable of stimulating the growth of megakaryocytes and augments the differentiation or maturation of megakaryocytes. Also provided are processes for obtaining the factor in homogeneous form and producing it by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 12, 1991
Date of Patent:
November 9, 1993
Assignees:
Genetics Institute, Inc., University of Vermont and State Agricultural College