2113083 9301300 PCTABS00019 The present invention relates to methods of treatment of motor neuron disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) comprising administering, to a patient in need of such treatment, an effective amount of a neurotrophic factor that is a member of the BDNF/NT-3/NGF family of molecules and that supports the survival, growth and/or differentiation of motor neurons. It is based, in part, on the discovery that BDNF and NT-3 are each able to increase choline acetyltransferase activity in motor neuron cultures. In preferred, specific embodiments of the invention, a combination of BDNF or NT-3 and a second agent, such as CNTF, may be used in the treatment of motor neuron disease. The present invention also provides methods of promoting the survival, growth and/or differentiation of motor neurons in vitro, methods of diagnosis, and assay systems which may be used to identify agents which have BDNF or NT-3-like activity and which may be useful in the treatment of motor neuron diseases. The present invention additionally provides for animal models of motor neuron disease produced by immunizing animals to BDNF/NT-3/NGF family members or derivatives thereof or by administering to animals anti-BDNF/NT-3/NGF family member antibodies.
METHODS OF TREATMENT OF MOTOR NEURON DISEASES USING MEMBERS OF THE BDNF/NT-3/NGF FAMILY OF MOLECULES