METHOD OF PROTECTING AGAINST STROKE THROUGH THE USE OF A DELTA OPIOID PEPTIDE

摘要

The subject invention pertains to uses of delta opioid peptides and salts thereof for promoting neurogenesis and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such peptides and salts as active ingredients. Specifically exemplified herein is [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) and salts thereof. The peptides of the present invention upregulate glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the nervous system and are useful for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with neurological injury, in particular, stroke.