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Margaret Tuchman wrote: > Just one more question, does anyone know if there is a relationship > between the surgical procedure(s) and the drugs in trial? I refer > you to Claude Dungan's post of 6/2, re: GDNF " and about whether or > not a pallidotomy will risk any future use of neuro-growth factors. > This has been a concern to me since I am trying to make the decision > whether or not to have the operation. Any comments?" the same > question needs to be raised about any of the surgical procedures we > may elect and/or future use of new medications and vice versa.. > Regards and apologies for taking up digest space, Margaret > Tuchman-54/dx1980, sinemet 25/100x2 plus 10/100x7, permax .50x3 Since no one else seems to jumping in on this GDNF topic, let me share my paltry knowledge. At the PAN Forum in DC last month, Dr. Frank Collins, VP Neuroscience at Amgen, gave us a presentation on the current state of their GDNF research. We saw a video of MPTP-treated Rhesus monkeys before and after GDNF administration. Spectacular results; these monkeys appeared to regain full mobility with no tremor. Phase I trials in humans will begin this year. However, as usual, there is a catch. GDNF is another of those proteins that will not cross the blood-brain barrier. The method of administration therefore currently is a "shunt", which as I understand it is a small plastic tube containing a valve inserted through the skull into the brain. But according to Dr. Collins, the primate research has shown that the GDNF does not have to be delivered to the substantia nigra; a ventricle is used instead (apparently much easier). GDNF is injected through the shunt to the ventricle once a month. GDNF means "glial-derived neural factors" (also called "growth" or "neurotropic" factors), and it is my impression that this is a substance outside the neurons which "nurtures" the cells and promotes the formation of synapses. Dr. Collins said that neurotropic factors are different for different neurons, which works to our benefit, since PD is one disease where it is well-known which neurons are dying. Therefore, Amgen could design GDNF specifically for PD neurons. We'll all need to draw our own conclusion re whether the loss of cells destroyed in a pallidotomy, etc. would change the effectiveness of GDNF. I'm sure neither Amgen nor any MD will take an official position on this until specific research is done. Maybe someone with a good knowledge of physiology will be kind enough to voice an opinion. Hope this very unscientific info helps some. ======================================== Margaret Monty [log in to unmask] ======================================== ================= Margaret Monty [log in to unmask] =================