Method of using secretin and compositions made therefrom for the treatment of autism and other neurological, behavioral and immunological disorders

Abstract

Secretin and secretin compositions are used for the treatment of autism and other neurological, behavioral and immunological disorders. The method includes administering an effective amount of secretin, such as Secretin-Ferring, to a patient. In one example, 2 clinical units (CU) of Secretin-Ferring was dissolved in a 7.5 ml solution of sodium chloride and was intravenously injected over 1 minute. In another example, secretin was administered transdermally by applying dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the patients skin and rubbing about 15 CU of Secretin-Ferring into the DMSO. Other methods and compositions for administering the effective amount of secretin include other transdermal carrier substances, such as gels, lotions, or patches; oral carriers, such as tablets, capsules, or lozenges; inhalation through the nose or mouth (e.g., as an aerosol); suppository forms of secretin and secretin compositions; and using acoustic waves to cause the secretin to penetrate the skin.

1 . A method for treatment of neurological or immunological disorders in a patient comprising the step of stimulating secretion of pancreatic juices in said patient.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the step of stimulating secretion of pancreatic juices comprises the step of administering to said patient an effective amount of secretin.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered by infusion.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein administering said effective amount of secretin by infusion includes the step of intravenously infusing secretin in an amount of bout 2 clinical units (CU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered transdermally.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein administering said effective amount of secretin transdermally includes the steps of: 
 applying a transdermal carrier substance to a portion of the skin of said patient; and    applying crystalline secretin in said effective amount onto said transdermal carrier substance.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said transdermal carrier substance includes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said effective amount of secretin includes between 5 and 20 clinical units (CU) of crystalline secretin per dose.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein said transdermal carrier substance is selected from a group consisting of a gel and a lotion.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein administering secretin transdermally includes administering said effective amount of secretin with a patch to be applied to a portion of the skin of said patient.  
   
   
       11 . A method of  claim 5  wherein administering secretin transdermally includes administering said effective amount of secretin using acoustic waves causing said secretin to permeate a skin surface of said patient.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered orally.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered orally using an oral carrier selected from the group consisting of a tablet, capsule or lozenge.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered using a suppository.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin is administered by inhalation.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said neurological disorders include autistic spectrum disorders.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said effective amount of secretin includes an amount of secretin sufficient to increase serotonin levels in the brain of said patient.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein stimulating secretion of said pancreatic juices increases at least one neuropeptide hormone select from the group consisting of serotonin, dopamine and CCK levels in said patient.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of stimulating secretion of pancreatic juices includes the step of causing secretion of an effective amount of secretin in said patient.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the step or causing secretion of an effective amount of secretin in said patient includes stimulating the duodenum of said patient to produces secretin.  
   
   
       21 . A composition for treatment of neurological or immunological disorders in a patient comprising an effective amount of secretin and a physiologically acceptable carrier.  
   
   
       22 . The composition of  claim 21  wherein said physiologically acceptable carrier includes a transdermal carrier substance.  
   
   
       23 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein said transdermal carrier substance includes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).  
   
   
       24 . The composition of  claim 23  wherein said effective amount of secretin includes about 15 clinical units (CU) of crystalline secretin per dose.  
   
   
       25 . The composition of  claim 21  wherein said physiologically acceptable carrier includes sodium chloride for dissolving said effective amount of secretin.  
   
   
       26 . The composition of  claim 25  wherein said effective amount of secretin includes about 2 clinical units (CU) per kilogram (kg) of body weight of said patient per dose.  
   
   
       27 . The composition of  claim 21  wherein said physiologically acceptable carrier includes an oral carrier.