IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO NEUROREGENERATION

摘要

The invention provides a glycoprotein obtainable from grey matter, e.g. from mammalian sources, and capable of inducing growth cone collapse. The glycoprotein is implicated in neurodegeneration and so can be used as the basis of attempts to stimulate nerve regeneration by interfering with the functioning of the glycoprotein, e.g. by use of antibodies thereto. The invention thus also provides a method of inhibiting neurodegeneration or promoting neuroregeneration comprising administering to a patient a substance that interferes (up or down regulates) with the functioning of glycoprotein of the invention. The invention finds applicability in the treatment of conditions and diseases such as acute brain injury, Alzheimer's Disease or motor neurone disease.