MECHANISM AND DRUG TARGETS FOR REDUCING CELL EDEMA (NEUROPROTECTION) AND CYTOPLASMIC EXCITABILITY IN ASTROCYTES IN NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL STATES

摘要

The present invention pertains to a method for screening a compound useful in reducing cell edema and/or in the treatment of a disease associated with astrocytic cytoplasmic hyperexcitability, cytosolic glucose homeostasis, said method comprising: (i) providing a compound; (ii) bringing said compound in contact with an astrocyte; and (iii) determining the cAMP level in said astrocyte contacted with said compound. The present invention further pertains to an agent elevating the cAMP level in astrocytes for use in reducing cell edema and/or in the treatment of a disease associated with astrocytic cytoplasmic hyperexcitability and/or cytosolic glucose homeostasis, and to related medical uses and treatment methods.