Use of xenon for treating neurointoxications

Abstract

Methods for treating mammals for neurointoxication are provided comprising treating the mammal with a xenon-containing gas. Methods of providing neuroprotection in mammals are also disclosed comprising administering therapeutically effective amounts of xenon, preferably in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.

1 . A treatment method comprising using xenon as a neuroprotectant.  
     
     
         2 . A method of providing neuroprotection in a mammal, said method comprising administering to said mammal a therapeutically effective amount of xenon.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  including administering said xenon in combination with a compound selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents and excipients.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  comprising treating said mammal for a condition associated with NMDA receptor activity.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  comprising treating said mammal for a condition associated with NMDA receptor activation.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said xenon reduces the level of activation of the NMDA receptor.  
     
     
         7 . A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition suitable for neuroprotection, said process comprising adding xenon to a component selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and diluents, and using said xenon as a neuroprotectant.