MAG expression promoters

Abstract

The MAG expression promoter of the present invention contains a compound of the formula (I) 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-[α-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.

1 - 33 . (canceled)  
     
     
         34 . A method for promoting expression of MAG, which comprises administering 4-[α-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-[α-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-Barré 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.