USE OF P2X7 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS TO PROMOTE AXONAL GROWTH AND RAMIFICATION

摘要

The present invention relates to the use of P2X7 receptor antagonists capable of crossing the hematoencephalic barrier and pharmaceutically-acceptable vehicles, in addition to pharmaceutical compositions thereof, to produce medicaments intended for the treatment of illnesses or conditions associated with: a) absence of or reduction in axonal growth; b) axonal collateral loss; c) nervous lesion; d) loss or degeneration of synaptic connections. In addition, the use is described of said antagonists to promote axonal growth both in cultivated neurons and in transplanted neurons. A method is also included for producing neurons differentiated in vitro commencing from stem cells, comprising culturing said cells in the presence of a P2X7 antagonist, together with the culture obtained through the previously described method, and use thereof for production of medicaments intended for the previously detailed illnesses.