Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the treatment of chronic renal insufficiencies and related chronic indications in mammals, employing IGF-I as the active agent. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing kidney development in mammals suffering from chronic organ injury. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for protecting prepubescent subjects, such as prepubescent mammals and neonates, from the ongoing toxicity of treatment with steroid hormones. In accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for maintaining substantially normal growth in neonates and pre-pubescent mammals exposed to high dose steroid hormone therapy.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease and related indications in mammals, employing IGF-I as the active agent. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for the treatment of renal dysplasias and/or renal hypoplasias in mammals. In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing glomerular development in mammals. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, it has been discovered that IGF-I is an effective agent for enhancing kidney development in mammals suffering from chronic organ injury.