Inhibition of pacap signalling for the prevention and treatment of thrombocytopenia

Abstract

The present invention discloses the use of inhibitors and/or antagonists of PACAP signalling for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of decreased blood platelet numbers (thrombocytopenia).

1 . A method of treating thrombocytopenia in a subject having thrombocytopenia, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an inhibitor of the PACAP signalling via the VPAC1 receptor. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said thrombocytopenia is infection-induced thrombocytopenia or treatment-induced thrombocytopenia. 
     
     
         3 . A method of preventing thrombocytopenia in a subject having a high probability of acquiring or developing thrombocytopenia, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an inhibitor of the PACAP signalling via the VPAC1 receptor. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said subject has cancer and wherein said compound is administered prior or during chemotherapy. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein said subject is at risk of acquiring or developing infection-induced thrombocytopenia by exposure to infectious agents.