U.S. patent application number 11/499785 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for mag expression promoters.
Invention is credited to Nobuharu Gotoh, Yoshiharu Hayashi, Kazuyuki Kawasaki, Masakazu Kawasaki.
Application Number | 20060270712 11/499785 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 15359751 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060270712 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kawasaki; Masakazu ; et
al. |
November 30, 2006 |
MAG expression promoters
Abstract
The MAG expression promoter of the present invention contains a
compound of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein each symbol is as
defined in the specification, an optically active form thereof or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. As a compound of the
formula (I),
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid is exemplified. The MAG expression promoter of the present
invention is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis and/or
treatment of a disease of mammals inclusive of human, which mainly
presents hypomyelination, further, dysmyelination or
demyelination.
Inventors: |
Kawasaki; Masakazu;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Gotoh; Nobuharu; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Hayashi; Yoshiharu; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Kawasaki; Kazuyuki; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
2033 K STREET N. W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1021
US
|
Family ID: |
15359751 |
Appl. No.: |
11/499785 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10969885 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
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11499785 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
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09979509 |
Mar 5, 2002 |
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PCT/JP00/03373 |
May 25, 2000 |
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10969885 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/341 ;
514/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/4174 20130101;
A61K 31/4164 20130101; C07D 249/08 20130101; C07D 231/12 20130101;
A61P 25/28 20180101; C07D 233/56 20130101; A61K 31/4439
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/341 ;
514/396 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/4439 20060101
A61K031/4439; A61K 31/4164 20060101 A61K031/4164 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 1999 |
JP |
144336/1999 |
Claims
1-33. (canceled)
34. A method for promoting expression of MAG, which comprises
administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to a mammal.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the mammal is a human.
36. A method for promoting expression of MAG, which comprises
administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to a mammal afflicted with a disease
selected from the group consisting of multiple sclerosis,
encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic
inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis,
diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism, metachromatic
leukodegeneration and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the mammal is a human.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to MAG expression promoters.
Specifically, the present invention relates to MAG expression
promoters useful as an agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment
of diseases mainly presenting hypomyelination, and further,
dysmyelination or demyelination. More particularly, the present
invention relates to MAG expression promoters containing
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, its optically active form or its pharmaceutically acceptable
salt as an active ingredient.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Vertebrata have developed myelinated nerve to enable high
speed processing of large information. The myelin sheath, which is
characteristic of the myelinated nerve, is formed upon enveloping
of nerve axon by cytoplasmic membrane of oligodendrocyte or Schwann
cell, and has a multilayer structure. As a result, the nerve
becomes insulated as well as acquires an extremely high impedance
and extremely low capacitance. The sodium channels are present in
accumulation in the nodes of Ranvier, which is a cut line between a
myelin sheath and another myelin sheath, facilitate saltatory
conduction of an impulse and enable high speed processing of
information (namely, high nerve conduction velocity).
[0003] The main component forming the myelin sheath is myelin and,
as a component to stabilize the multilayer structure of the myelin
sheath, myelin specific proteins are known. Of these, proteolipid
protein and P.sub.0 protein are involved in crosslinking and
adhesion between myelin sheets, and myelin basic protein
(hereinafter to be referred to as MBP) is present in the cytoplasm
of myelin sheets and involved in compaction of the sheets (Morell
P. et al., in Basic Neurochemistry, Siegel G J et al. Eds. Ravan
Press, p. 117-143 (1994)). In addition, myelin-associated
glycoprotein (hereinafter sometimes to be referred to as MAG) is
involved in adhesion between axon and myelin sheets (Quarles R H,
Myelin-associated glycoprotein: functional and clinical aspects, in
Neuronal and Glial Proteins: Structure, Function and Clinical
Application, Marangos P J et al. Eds. Academic Press, New York, p.
295 (1988)).
[0004] The MAG belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily and the
electrophoretic mobility is 100-kDa. When myelination is started,
MAG is expressed by the oligodendrocyte in the central nervous
system and by Schwann cell in the peripheral nervous system. The
proportion of MAG in myelin is only 1% in the central nervous
system and 0.1% in the peripheral nervous system. Recently, it has
been clarified that MAG plays not only a role as a simple adhesion
molecule but is also positively involved in the formation and
maintenance of myelin sheath, as mentioned below.
[0005] In Schwann cell, where MAG is excessively expressed in
vitro, myelination is promoted (Owens G C et al., J. Cell Biol.,
111, p. 1171-1182 (1990)), but in Schwann cell, where expression of
MAG is decreased, myelination is suppressed (Owens G C et al.,
Neuron, 7, p. 565-575 (1991)). In vivo, the number of myelinated
nerves of MAG deficient mice decreases and the number of
unmyelinated nerve increases, which is considered to be caused by a
retardation in the myelin formation (Bartsch S. et al., Brain Res.
762, p. 231-234 (1997)). On the other hand, there is also a report
documenting that, despite a morphological abnormality observed in
the contact part between axon and myelin sheet, no difference is
found in the number of myelinated nerves, thickness of myelin sheet
or the diameter of axon, of the normal mice and MAG deficient mice
(Li C. et al. Nature, 369, p. 747-750 (1994)). Therefore, many
points remain unknown about the relationship between MAG and
myelination.
[0006] As regards the molecular mechanism of myelination, there is
only a report at present that MAG binds with an axon receptor to
activate Fyn tyrosine kinase (Umemori H. et al., Nature, 367, p.
572-576 (1994)), and then promotes expression of MBP gene (Umemori
H., J. Neurosci., 19, p. 1393-1397 (1999)), which is not sufficient
to clear the mechanism.
[0007] As the diseases mainly presenting hypomyelination, and
further, dysmyelination or demyelination, multiple sclerosis,
encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic
inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis,
diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism, metachromatic
leukodegeneration, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the like are
known (Takeshi Yasuda et al., Clinical Test, 40, p. 760-766
(1996)).
[0008] These diseases are reported to be treated with interferon,
steroid, .gamma.-globulin, plasma exchange or immunosuppressant
(Gen Sobue, Brain and Development, 30, p. 115-120 (1998), Hajime
Harukawa et al., Nippon Rinsho, 55, p. 187-194 (1997)), but the
situation is not entirely satisfactory. Since in patients with
multiple sclerosis, disappearance of MAG in the early stages of
onset of the disease is observed (Moller J R, Ann. Neurol., 22, p.
469-474 (1987)), a drug that promotes expression of MAG is expected
to be effective for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of the onset
of the above-mentioned diseases.
[0009] In JP-A-60-34952, JP-B-64-7074, JP-B-3-16348, JP-B-4-15781,
JP-B-4-15782, JP-B-5-29031, JP-B-5-41143 and JP-B-5-74589, the
compound of the formula (I) to be mentioned below is disclosed,
which is useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of thrombosis,
stroke, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, angina
pectoris, hypertension, asthma, nephritis and the like, optically
active forms thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof
having a pharmacological action, such as potent TXA.sub.2
biosynthesis inhibitory action, platelet aggregation inhibitory
action and vasodilating action and the like. WO97/24333 discloses
that, of these compounds,
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, optically active forms thereof and pharmaceutically
acceptable salts thereof are useful agents for the prophylaxis
and/or treatment of diabetic complications.
[0010] However, it is not described or suggested that a compound of
the formula (I) to be mentioned later has an action to promote
expression of MAG.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide MAG
expression promoters. More particularly, an object of the present
invention is to provide MAG expression promoters that can be an
agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases mainly
presenting hypomyelination, and further, dysmyelination or
demyelination.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present inventors have conducted intensive studies and
found that a compound of the following formula (I), an optically
active form thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
promote expression of MAG, and that they are useful as an agent for
the prophylaxis and/or treatment of the diseases mainly presenting
hypomyelination, and further, dysmyelination or demyelination,
which resulted in the completion of the following invention. (1) A
MAG expression promoter containing a compound of the formula (I)
##STR2## wherein [0013] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom,
an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; [0014] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are
the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl
group; [0015] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5,
--CONR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or
--CH.sub.2OR.sup.8; [0016] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an
alkyl group, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and
each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7
in combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0017] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0018] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (hereinafter
sometimes to be generally referred to as the compound of the
present invention). (2) The MAG expression promoter of the
above-mentioned (1), which is applicable to a disease of mammals
inclusive of human, caused by hypomyelination. (3) The MAG
expression promoter of the above-mentioned (1), which is applicable
to a disease of mammals inclusive of human, which disease mainly
presents dysmyelination or demyelination. (4) The MAG expression
promoter of the above-mentioned (1), which is applicable to a
disease of mammals inclusive of human, which disease being multiple
sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic
inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis,
diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism, metachromatic
leukodegeneration or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. (5) The MAG
expression promoter of any of the above-mentioned (1) to (4),
wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl
group or an alkoxy group. (6) A MAG expression promoter comprising
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof. (7) A method of promoting expression of
MAG, which method comprises administering a compound of the formula
(I) ##STR3## wherein [0019] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen
atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; [0020] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl
group; [0021] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5,
--CONR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or
--CH.sub.2OR.sup.8; [0022] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an
alkyl group, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and
each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7
in combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0023] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0024] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive
of human. (8) The method of the above-mentioned (7), wherein, in
the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group. (9) A method for promoting expression of MAG, which
method comprises administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive of human. (10) A
method for prophylaxis and/or therapy of a disease caused by
hypomyelination, which method comprises administering a compound of
the formula (I) ##STR4## wherein [0025] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom,
a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; [0026] R.sup.2
and R.sup.3 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom
or an alkyl group; [0027] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, --COOH,
--COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8; [0028] wherein R.sup.5 and
R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the
same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in combination form imidazole together with the
adjacent nitrogen atom; [0029] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or
--CH.sub.2--; and [0030] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically
active form thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof
to mammals inclusive of human. (11) The method of the
above-mentioned (10), wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a
halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group. (12) A method for
prophylaxis and/or therapy of a disease caused by hypomyelination,
which method comprises administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive of human. (13) A
method for prophylaxis and/or therapy of a disease mainly
presenting dysmyelination or demyelination, which method comprises
administering a compound of the formula (I) ##STR5## wherein [0031]
R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group; [0032] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different
and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0033] R.sup.4 is an
alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8;
[0034] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in
combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0035] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0036] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive
of human. (14) The method of the above-mentioned (13), wherein, in
the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group. (15) A method for prophylaxis and/or therapy of a
disease mainly presenting dysmyelination or demyelination, which
method comprises administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive of human. (16) A
method for prophylaxis and/or therapy of multiple sclerosis,
encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic
inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis,
diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism, metachromatic
leukodegeneration or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which method
comprises administering a compound of the formula (I) ##STR6##
wherein [0037] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl
group or an alkoxy group; [0038] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same
or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0039]
R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5,
--CONR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or
--CH.sub.2OR.sup.8; [0040] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an
alkyl group, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and
each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7
in combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0041] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0042] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive
of human. (17) The method of the above-mentioned (16), wherein, in
the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group. (18) A method for prophylaxis and/or therapy of
multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre
syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy
metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism,
metachromatic leukodegeneration or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease,
which method comprises administering
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof to mammals inclusive of human. (19) Use of
a compound of the formula (I) ##STR7## wherein [0043] R.sup.1 is a
hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group;
[0044] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0045] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group,
--COOH, --COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8;
[0046] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in
combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0047] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0048] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG
expression promoter. (20) The use of the above-mentioned (19),
wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl
group or an alkoxy group. (21) Use of
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG expression promoter.
(22) Use of a compound of the formula (I) ##STR8## wherein [0049]
R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group; [0050] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different
and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0051] R.sup.4 is an
alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8;
[0052] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in
combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0053] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0054] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG
expression promoter applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of
human, which is caused by hypomyelination. (23) The use of the
above-mentioned (22), wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a
halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group. (24) Use of
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG expression promoter
applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of human, which is
caused by hypomyelination. (25) Use of a compound of the formula
(I) ##STR9## wherein [0055] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen
atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; [0056] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3
are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl
group; [0057] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5,
--CONR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or
--CH.sub.2OR.sup.8; [0058] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an
alkyl group, and R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and
each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7
in combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0059] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0060] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG
expression promoter applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of
human, which mainly presents dysmyelination or demyelination. (26)
The use of the above-mentioned (25), wherein, in the formula (I),
R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group. (27)
Use of
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG expression promoter
applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of human, which mainly
presents dysmyelination or demyelination. (28) Use of a compound of
the formula (I) ##STR10## wherein [0061] R.sup.1 is a hydrogen
atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group; [0062]
R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0063] R.sup.4 is an alkyl group,
--COOH, --COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8;
[0064] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and
R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and each is a
hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in
combination form imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen
atom; [0065] A is --CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and
[0066] Z is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG
expression promoter applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of
human, which is multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis,
Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis,
hypothyroidism, m-achromatic leukodegeneration or
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. (29) The use of the above-mentioned
(28), wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an
alkyl group or an alkoxy group. (30) Use of
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof for producing a MAG expression promoter
applicable to a disease in mammals inclusive of human, which is
multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre
syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy
metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism,
metachromatic leukodegeneration or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
(31) A commercial package comprising a MAG expression promoter
comprising a compound of the formula (I) ##STR11## wherein [0067]
R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group or an
alkoxy group; [0068] R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different
and each is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; [0069] R.sup.4 is an
alkyl group, --COOH, --COOR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.6R.sup.7,
--CH.sub.2NR.sup.6R.sup.7, --CH.sub.2OH or --CH.sub.2OR.sup.8;
[0070] wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each an alkyl group, and
R
.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen
atom or an alkyl group, or R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 in combination form
imidazole together with the adjacent nitrogen atom; [0071] A is
--CH(OH)--, --C(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2--; and [0072] Z is
.dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--, an optically active form thereof or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a written matter
associated therewith, the written matter stating that the MAG
expression promoter can or should be used for promoting expression
of MAG. (32) The commercial package of the above-mentioned (31),
wherein, in the formula (I), R.sup.1 is a halogen atom, an alkyl
group or an alkoxy group. (33) A commercial package comprising a
MAG expression promoter comprising
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid, an optically active form thereof or a pharmaceutically
acceptable salt thereof and a written matter associated therewith,
the written matter stating that the MAG expression promoter can or
should be used for promoting expression of MAG.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0073] FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are microscopic photographs
showing the results of Experimental Example 1, wherein FIG. 1 shows
the effect of addition of a negative control compound (DMSO) on
myelination of axon.
[0074] FIG. 2 is a microscopic photograph showing the effect of
addition of a positive control compound (ascorbic acid) on
myelination of axon.
[0075] FIG. 3 is a microscopic photograph showing the effect of
addition of the compound of the present invention (Y-128 to be
mentioned later) on myelination of axon.
[0076] FIG. 4 shows an image of an X ray film obtained by
Experimental Example 2, and MAG expression in the cells cultured
with the compound of the present invention, the negative control
compound or the positive control compound.
[0077] FIG. 5 shows the results of Experimental Example 3, and the
time-course changes in the MAG expression in the cells cultured
with the compound of the present invention, the negative control
compound or the positive control compound.
EMBODIMENT OF INVENTION
[0078] The MAG expression promoter of the present invention
encompasses any as long as it can promote in vitro or in vivo
expression of MAG at a gene level or a protein level.
[0079] The disease caused by hypomyelination is a disease of
mammals inclusive of human, including any disease mainly presenting
the disease state of hypomyelination, dysmyelination or
demyelination.
[0080] Moreover, the disease mainly presenting dysmyelination or
demyelination means diseases of mammals inclusive of human, and
encompasses any disease mainly presenting the disease state of
hypomyelination, dysmyelination or demyelination. Examples thereof
include multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre
syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculitis, heavy
metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis, hypothyroidism,
metachromatic leukodegeneration, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and
the like.
[0081] In the present specification, the definition of each symbol
in the formula (I) is as follows.
[0082] The halogen atom at R.sup.1 may be chlorine atom, bromine
atom, fluorine atom and iodine atom, with preference given to
chlorine atom.
[0083] The alkyl group at R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4,
R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 is a linear or branched chain
alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl,
propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl,
hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl and the like, with preference
given to an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
[0084] The alkoxy group at R.sup.1 is linear or branched chain
alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy,
propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy,
pentyloxy, hexyloxy and the like.
[0085] The compound of the present invention can be synthesized
according to a method described in JP-A-60-34952, JP-B-64-7074,
JP-B-3-16348, JP-B-4-15781, JP-B-4-15782, JP-B-5-29031,
JP-B-5-41143 and JP-B-5-74589.
[0086] An optically active form of the compound of the present
invention can be produced by a conventional method, such as racemic
resolution and the like.
[0087] A pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of the
present invention is exemplified by acid addition salts with
inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid,
sulfuric acid and the like, or organic acids, such as fumaric acid,
maleic acid, mandelic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, salicylic
acid and the like, salts with a metal such as sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, aluminum and the like, and salts with amino
acid such as lysine and the like. In addition, 1/2 hydrate, 1/3
hydrate, 2/3 hydrate, monohydrate, 3/2 hydrate, dihydrate and the
like thereof are also encompassed. Salts of these can be produced
by a conventional method.
[0088] The compound of the present invention can be used as an
active ingredient of a MAG expression promoter for promoting the
expression of MAG in mammals such as human, cow, horse, dog, mouse,
rat and the like. Therefore, the compound of the present invention
is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of
diseases mainly presenting hypomyelination, further, dysmyelination
or demyelination, particularly as an agent for the prophylaxis
and/or treatment of multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis,
Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis,
hypothyroidism, metachromatic leukodegeneration and
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
[0089] Of the compounds of the present invention, preferable
compounds are as follows. [0090] (1)
2-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemethanol
[0091] (2) 2-(1-imidazolyl)-2',4',6'-trimethylbenzophenone [0092]
(3) 4-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemethanol
[0093] (4)
3-chloro-4-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemetha-
nol [0094] (5)
3-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemethanol
[0095] (6)
2-chloro-5-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemetha-
nol [0096] (7)
5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methyl-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemethanol
and its monohydrochloride [0097] (8)
5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methoxy-.alpha.-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)benzenemethanol
[0098] (9)
5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methyl-.alpha.-(4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ben-
zenemethanol [0099] (10)
2-chloro-5-(1-imidazolyl)-.alpha.-(4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ben-
zenemethanol [0100] (11)
5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methyl-.alpha.-(4-methoxymethyl-2,6-dimethylphenyl)ben-
zenemethanol [0101] (12)
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid and its sodium salt 1/2 hydrate [0102] (13) methyl
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoate
[0103] (14)
5-(1-imidazolyl)-2,2',6'-trimethyl-4'-(1-imidazolylmethyl)benzophenone
[0104] (15) ethyl
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoate
[0105] (16) N-methyl
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzamide
[0106] (17)
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-2-chloro-5-(1-imidazolyl)benzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid [0107] (18)
4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methoxybenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic
acid [0108] (19)
(S)-4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzo-
ic acid (hereinafter sometimes to be referred to as Y-128) [0109]
(20) 4-[5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid
[0110] (21) methyl
(S)-4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzo-
ate [0111] (22)
.alpha.-[2-(1-imidazolyl)pyridin-5-yl]-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenemethanol
[0112] The MAG expression promoter of the present invention is
formulated as a typical pharmaceutical composition or a
pharmaceutical preparation and administered orally or parenterally.
For example, the compound of the present invention and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g., excipient, binder,
disintegrant, corrigent, flavor, emulsifier, diluent, solubilizer
etc.) are mixed to give a pharmaceutical composition or a
pharmaceutical preparation in a suitable form for oral or
parenteral administration. The pharmaceutical preparation includes
solid preparation, semi-solid preparation and liquid preparation.
Examples thereof include tablet, pill, powder, granule, capsule,
troche, syrup, solution, emulsion, suspension, injection (liquid,
suspension etc.), suppository, inhalant, percutaneously absorbable
drug, eye drop, eye ointment and the like.
[0113] When a solid preparation is produced, additives are used.
Examples of the additive include sucrose, lactose, cellulose,
D-mannitol, maltitol, dextran, starch, agar, arginate, chitin,
chitosan, pectin, gum tragacanth, gum arabic, gelatin, collagen,
casein, albumin, calcium phosphate, sorbitol, glycine, carboxy
methylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylcellulose,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, sodium
hydrogencarbonate, magnesium stearate, talc and the like. Tablets
can be prepared into those applied with general coating as
necessary, such as sugar-coated tablets, enteric coated tablets and
film coated tablets. Moreover, two-layer tablets and multilayer
tablets can be prepared.
[0114] When a semi-solid preparation is produced, plant and animal
fats and oils (olive oil, corn oil, castor oil etc.), mineral fats
and oils (petrolatum, white petrolatum, solid paraffin etc.), waxes
(jojoba oil, carnauba wax, bees wax etc.), partially synthesized or
entirely synthesized glycerin fatty acid ester (lauric acid,
myristic acid or palmitic acid glyceride etc.) and the like can be
used. Examples of commercially available products of these include
Witepsol (manufactured by Dynamitnovel Ltd.), Farmazol (NOF
Corporation) and the like.
[0115] When a liquid preparation is produced, additives are used.
For example, sodium chloride, sorbitol, glycerin, olive oil,
propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol and the like are used.
Particularly, when an injection is produced, a sterile aqueous
solution (e.g., physiological saline), an isotonic solution or an
oily solution (e.g., sesame oil, soybean oil) is used. Where
necessary, a suitable suspending agent (e.g., sodium
carboxymethylcellulose), nonionic surfactant, solubilizer (e.g.,
benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol) and the like can be concurrently
used. When an eye drop is produced, an aqueous liquid or aqueous
solution is used. Particularly, sterile aqueous solution for
injection is used. An eye drop may contain various additives, such
as buffer, isotonicity agent, solubilizer, preservative, viscosity
agent, chelating agent, pH adjusting agent and aromatic as
necessary. As the buffer, borate buffer, acetate buffer, carbonate
buffer and the like are preferable for reducing stimulation. The pH
is preferably adjusted to generally about 6-8.5.
[0116] The content of the compound of the present invention in a
pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical preparation is 0.1-100
wt % of the pharmaceutical composition or pharmaceutical
preparation, which is suitably 1-50 wt %. While the dose varies
depending on the symptom, body weight, age and the like of
patients, it is generally about 0.01-100 mg/kg by oral
administration for an adult per day, which is preferably
administered once or several times a day. For administration, oral,
rectal and parenteral (e.g., muscular, intravenous, percutaneous
and subcutaneous) administrations are employed.
EXAMPLES
[0117] The present invention is explained in detail in the
following by referring to Formulation Examples and Experimental
Examples. These do not limit the present invention in any way.
TABLE-US-00001 Formulation Example 1: film-coated tablet Y-128 50.0
mg D-mannitol 70.5 mg cornstarch 16.0 mg sodium hydrogencarbonate
15.0 mg hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 3.0 mg talc 5.0 mg magnesium
stearate 0.5 mg
[0118] Y-128, D-mannitol, cornstarch and sodium hydrogencarbonate
were mixed and the mixture was applied to fluidized granulation
while spraying an aqueous solution of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
The granulate was passed through a 24 mesh sieve, and talc and
magnesium stearate were added. Using a rotary tablet press (Kikusui
Seisakusho Ltd.), tablets weighing 160 mg per tablet were produced.
Then, using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as a film coating base, 6
mg of coating per tablet was applied to give film-coated tablets.
TABLE-US-00002 Formulation Example 2: fine granules Y-128 10%
D-mannitol 89.5% hydroxypropylcellulose 0.5%
[0119] Y-128 and D-mannitol were mixed and an aqueous solution of
hydroxypropylcellulose was added. The mixture was kneaded,
granulated and dried at 50.degree. C. The granulate was passed
through a 32 mesh sieve to give fine granules. TABLE-US-00003
Formulation Example 3: tablet Y-128 50.0 mg D-mannitol 30.0 mg
cornstarch 19.0 mg sodium hydrogencarbonate 15.0 mg
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 1.5 mg talc 4.0 mg magnesium stearate
0.5 mg
[0120] Y-128, D-mannitol, cornstarch and sodium hydrogencarbonate
were mixed and the mixture was applied to fluidized granulation
while spraying an aqueous solution of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
The granulate was passed through a 24 mesh sieve, and talc and
magnesium stearate were added. Using a rotary tablet press (Kikusui
Seisakusho Ltd.), tablets weighing 120 mg per tablet were produced.
TABLE-US-00004 Formulation Example 4: fine granules Y-128 5%
D-mannitol 92% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 3%
[0121] Y-128 and D-mannitol were mixed and an aqueous solution of
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose was added. The mixture was kneaded,
granulated and dried at 50.degree. C. The granulate was passed
through a 32 mesh sieve to give fine granules.
[0122] The pharmacological action of the MAG expression promoter of
the present invention is explained in the following by referring to
Experimental Examples.
Experimental Example 1
[0123] The preparation of nerve cell followed the method of Seung
U. Kim (Experimental Protocols for Brain and Nerve--From cultured
cell to functional analysis, ed. Katsuhiko Mikoshiba, Takao
Shimizu, Yodosha). That is, an embryo was taken out from a 18-day
pregnant female rat (Crj: CD(SD)IGS), from which dorsal spinal
nerve root ganglia (hereinafter to be referred to as DRG) was
removed under a stereoscopic microscope. DRG was treated with 0.25%
trypsin and DNase I at 37.degree. C. to disperse the cells.
Adherent cells other than nerve cells were removed and the cells
(5000 cells) were plated on a polylysine-coated plate. The cells
were cultured in DMEM containing 10% FCS supplemented with the
nerve growth factor (hereinafter to be referred to as NGF, 50
ng/ml) in a CO.sub.2 incubator. After 3 days of culture, the medium
was changed to one containing Ara-C (1 .mu.mol/l) to remove
proliferative cells other than the nerve cells.
[0124] The preparation of Schwann cells followed the method of
Ichiro Matsuoka (Springer Neuroscience Lab Manual 1, ed. Hiroshi
Hatanaka, Springer-Verlag Tokyo). That is, the sciatic nerve of a
neonatal rat (1 to 3 days postnatal, (Crj: CD(SD)IGS)) was removed
under a stereoscopic microscope and adventitia was removed. By
treating with trypsin/collagenase and DNase I in CMF-HBSS, the
cells were dispersed. Using a culture flask, the cells were
cultured in DMEM containing 10% FCS in a CO.sub.2 incubator. After
culturing in a medium containing Ara-C, the cells were recovered
and the cell suspension was treated successively with anti-Thy 1.1
and rabbit complement to remove cells other than the Schwann cells.
Using a collagen-coated culture flask, the cells were cultured in
DMEM containing 10% FCS in a CO.sub.2 incubator.
[0125] After 1 week from the start of the culture of DRG nerve
cells, Schwann cells (20,000 cells) were plated on a plate in which
DRG nerve cells had been cultured. The medium for co-culture was
DMEM containing 2 .mu.mol/l of forskolin, 50 ng/ml of NGF and 10%
FCS. The next day, after attachment of the Schwann cells, the
compound of the present invention (the above-mentioned Y-128, 3
.mu.mol/l) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or, as a
positive control compound, ascorbic acid (50 .mu.g/ml) was added
every 2 or 3 days. As a negative control compound, the vehicle DMSO
was treated in the same manner.
[0126] After 2 weeks from the start of the co-culture, myelin was
stained according to the method of Eldridge C F et al. (J. Cell
Biol., 105, p. 1023-1034 (1987)). That is, the cells were fixed
with a 10% neutral buffered formalin solution and preserved at
4.degree. C. overnight. After removal of the formalin solution, the
cells were fixed again with 0.1% osmium tetroxide solution for 1 h
and stained with Sudan Black B stain for 30 min. A stained sample
(12 wells for each group) was observed under a microscope, and one
view of the part where axon was most noticeably stained in each
well was selected and photographed with a Polaroid camera.
[0127] FIG. 1-FIG. 3 show stained axon in each group. In a medium
addition group, axon was not stained in any well (see FIG. 1). In
an ascorbic acid addition group, axon was stained deep in every
well (see FIG. 2). In the compound of the present invention (Y-128)
addition group (3 .mu.mol/l), axon was stained as deep as ascorbic
acid addition group in 5 wells out of 12 wells (see FIG. 3). From
the above-mentioned Experimental Example, it was clarified that the
compound of the present invention (Y-128) promoted myelination of
axon.
Experimental Example 2
[0128] According to the method described in Experimental Example 1,
DRG nerve cells and Schwann cells were co-cultured. A DMSO solution
containing the compound of the present invention (Y-128, 1, 3, 10
or 30 .mu.mol/l) or ascorbic acid (50 .mu.g/ml) as a positive
control compound was added to the medium every 2 days for 2 weeks.
As a negative control compound, the vehicle DMSO was added in the
same manner. After 2 weeks from the start of the addition of the
compound, the medium was removed and a sample buffer containing
sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was added to the well for
solubilization of the cells.
[0129] A part thereof was separated by polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis and the migrated protein was transferred to a PVDF
membrane. By immunoblotting and chemiluminescence, the objective
protein was detected on an X ray film. A band detected at about 100
kDa migration was identified as a signal of myelin-related
glycoprotein (MAG). The X ray film was scanned and the image was
imported to a computer, and the expression of MAG was
semi-quantitatively determined using an analysis software,
ImageQuaNT (Molecular Dynamics). FIG. 4 shows the MAG expression in
the X ray film. From the above-mentioned Experimental Example, it
was clarified that the compound of the present invention (Y-128)
increased the expression of MAG from the concentration of 3
.mu.mol/l.
Experimental Example 3
[0130] According to the method described in Experimental Example 1,
DRG nerve cells and Schwann cells were co-cultured. A DMSO solution
containing the compound of the present invention (Y-128, 10
.mu.mol/ml) or ascorbic acid (50 .mu.g/ml) as a positive control
compound was added to the medium every 2 days. The medium DMSO was
added in the same manner as was the negative control compound. In
the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, MAG was
quantitatively determined before addition of the compounds and 3,
6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days after addition. FIG. 5 shows the
results.
[0131] From the above-mentioned Experimental Example, it was
clarified that the compound of the present invention (Y-128)
increased the expression of MAG maximally at 6 days and 12 days
after the addition, and 18 days later, the expression of MAG
disappeared. The time-course changes of MAG expression by the
compound of the present invention (Y-128) was the same as that by
the positive control compound, ascorbic acid.
Experimental Example 4
Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE (Experimental
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis))
[0132] The myelin basic protein of guinea pig is prepared by
extracting the spinal cord homogenate with an acid and allowing
precipitation with ammonium sulfate. The myelin basic protein and
the same amount of Freund's complete adjuvant (containing 4 mg/ml
Mycobacteria H37Ra) are mixed and emulsified. The prepared emulsion
(0.1 ml) is injected once to the sole of a hind limb of 8 to
12-week-old female Lewis rat. Y-128 (10 mg/kg) is orally
administered once a day for 4 weeks from immediately after EAE
induction. After the final administration, the symptom of the rat
is scored as follows, based on which the effect is evaluated.
[0133] 0: no symptom 1: tail hanging down limply 2: paralysis of
hind limb 3: paralysis of all limbs 4: on the verge of death 5:
death
Experimental Example 5
Allergic Neuritis (EAN (Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis))
[0134] Protein peptide (100 .mu.g, corresponding to 53-78 of the
amino acid sequence of bovine P2 protein) and the same amount of
Freund's complete adjuvant (containing 0.5 mg/ml Mycobacterium
tuberculosis) are mixed and emulsified. The prepared emulsion (0.1
ml) is injected once to the sole of a hind limb of 6 to 8-week-old
female Lewis rat. Y-128 (10 mg/kg) is orally administered once a
day for 4 weeks from immediately after EAN induction. After the
final administration, the symptom of the rat is scored as follows,
based on which the effect is evaluated. [0135] 0: no symptom 1:
tail with weakened force 2: tail hanging down limply 3: disorder in
maintaining righting 4: disappearance of righting maintenance 5:
ataxic gait 6: mild paralysis of hind limb 7: severe paralysis 8:
paralysis of all limbs 9: on the verge of death 10: death
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0136] The MAG expression promoter of the present invention is
useful as an agent for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases
mainly presenting hypomyelination, and further, dysmyelination or
demyelination. More particularly, it is useful as an agent for the
prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases of mammals inclusive of
human, such as multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myelitis,
Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculitis, heavy metal toxicosis, diphtheria toxicosis,
hypothyroidism, metachromatic leukodegeneration,
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the like.
Afterword
[0137] This application is based on a patent application No.
144336/1999 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. The present invention should not be
limited in scope by the specific embodiments described in the
specification. Variations and modifications of the present
invention will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art
from the foregoing descriptions. Such variations and modifications
are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Any
disclosures by various publications and the like cited herein are
hereby incorporated in its entirety into the present invention by
reference thereto.
* * * * *