Protective Effect of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in Stroke

Carbon monoxide (CO) has been shown to mediate both beneficial and deleterious processes in the central nervous system depending on its concentration. CO is produced endogenously through the breakdown of hemoglobin by heme oxygenase (HO) to produce biliverdin, iron and CO, and these physiological concentrations of CO play an important role in many protective mechanisms. Low levels of exogenous CO can also bring about anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and mediate vascular signaling that results in vasodilation. For the first time, using an animal model of ischemic brain injury, JHU scientists have demonstrated that low levels of exogenous CO are neuroprotective. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) The novel discovery can be used as a treatment for treat focal and global ischemia, as well as tissue and brain damage, and other neurological and cognitive defects following heart ischemia, or used in surgeries that may have an effect on blood supply. CO can be administered immediately at the first signs of stroke. It could also be used during surgery, alongside anesthesia, in order to reduce brain injury caused by brief hypoxic episodes. Additionally, cage-CO compounds may be created that can be activated to liberate free CO under specific stimuli.

Inventor(s): Dore, Sylvain

Type of Offer: Licensing



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