Abstract: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) differentiate into neuron-like phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, engrafted into normal or denervated rat striatum. The BMSC did not remain localized to the site of the graft, but migrated throughout the brain and integrated into specific brain regions in various architectonic patterns. The most orderly integration of BMSC was in the laminar distribution of cerebellar Purkinje cells, where the BMSC-derived cells took on the Purkinje phenotype. The BMSC exhibited site-dependent differentiation and expressed several neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin. BMSC can be used to target specific brain nuclei in strategies of neural repair and gene therapy.

Abstract: A method for repairing animal tissue damage due to an inflammatory reaction in an animal has the steps of providing umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs) in a pharmaceutically acceptable form; and administering a sufficient dose of UCBC at an optimal time thereby reducing the injury from the inflammatory reaction. Also provided are method of treating cerebrovascular accident, acute central nervous inflammation, multiple sclerosis, myocardial ischemia, and neonatal bronchopulmonary distress. For determining the optimal time of UCBCs administration, there is provided a kit containing antibodies for IL-8 and MCP-1.

Abstract: Novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of neuroimmunological and neurodegenerative disorders. Accordingly, methods of treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a patient, as well as inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine, comprising the step of contacting a target cell with a therapeutically effective amount of a cholinergic agonist, such as those chosen from the group consisting of acetycholine, nicotine, choline, galantamine, cytisine, GTS-21, or derivatives thereof, wherein the target cell is a microglia is provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for treating deficits, such as neurological deficits, caused by focal or generalized edema associated with injury to the central nervous system, heart, liver, and kidney. The present invention further concerns a method for producing natriuretic peptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising bone marrow stromal cells and effective amounts of retinoic acid and nerve growth factor to induce the bone marrow stromal cells to increase production of natriuretic peptides.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient with a neurodegenerative disease, such as ALS, using progenitor cells isolated from human umbilical cord blood. Non-invasive transplantation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH+) expressing progenitor cells provides cell replacement and protection of motor neurons.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing the neuroprotective effect of umbilical cord blood cells. More particularly, the present invention provides methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders by administering umbilical cord blood cells and a substance capable of permeabilizing the blood brain barrier. In one embodiment, the blood brain barrier permeabilizer is mannitol. In another embodiment, the blood brain barrier permeabilizer is Cereport.

Abstract: Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition. The medical conditions include substance addiction (involving nicotine, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamine, opiate, other psychostimulant and a combination thereof), Tourette's Syndrome, and neuropsychiatric disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, an anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, a seizure disorder, Parkinson's disease and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-R-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.

Abstract: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) differentiate into neuron-like phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, engrafted into normal or denervated rat striatum. The BMSC did not remain localized to the site of the graft, but migrated throughout the brain and integrated into specific brain regions in various architectonic patterns. The most orderly integration of BMSC was in the laminar distribution of cerebellar Purkinje cells, where the BMSC-derived cells took on the Purkinje phenotype. The BMSC exhibited site-dependent differentiation and expressed several neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin. BMSC can be used to target specific brain nuclei in strategies of neural repair and gene therapy.

Abstract: Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) differentiate into neuron-like phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, engrafted into normal or denervated rat striatum. The BMSC did not remain localized to the site of the graft, but migrated throughout the brain and integrated into specific brain regions in various architectonic patterns. The most orderly integration of BMSC was in the laminar distribution of cerebellar Purkinje cells, where the BMSC-derived cells took on the Purkinje phenotype. The BMSC exhibited site-dependent differentiation and expressed several neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin. BMSC can be used to target specific brain nuclei in strategies of neural repair and gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of umbilical cord blood cells from a donor or patient to provide neural cells which may be used in transplantation. The isolated cells according to the present invention may be used to effect autologous and allogeneic transplantation and repair of neural tissue, in particular, tissue of the brain and spinal cord and to treat neurodegenerative diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-R-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-S-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-R-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-S-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of exo-R-mecamylamine in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the amount is about 0.5 mg to about 20 mg. Medical conditions are treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of exo-S-mecamylamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, substantially free of its exo-R-mecamylamine, said amount being sufficient to ameliorate the medical condition.