1. What is CDNF? Conserved Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor Growth factor known as a trophic factor Stimulates the growth of neurons

2. Recent In Vivo Studies Scientists need rats that exhibit Parkinson’s- like symptoms – Administer 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) Kills off Dopaminergic neurons Induces Parkinson’s-like symptoms L-DopaDopamine 6-hydroxydopamine

3. Important Lab Findings CDNF was injected into Striatum of rats before 6-OHDA – CDNF prevented PD symptoms from occurring Rats were treated to express PD symptoms – Injected with 6-OHDA – 4 weeks later, treated with CDNF Neuron function and viability was restored

4. http://www.pharmacy.ac.uk/1638.html

5. Screening Patients Adequate patient response to L-Dopa – Indicates DA neurons are degraded but treatable No effect of L-Dopa – Indicates that DA neurons have degraded completely http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-parkinson-disease-closer.html

6. Benefits in human trials CDNF has a “protective” effect – Prevents neuron degradation CDNF can restore up to 98% function – Promoting DNA replication Can be administered through lumbar puncture – Out-patient procedure – Anaesthetized for comfort – Use Mannitol to penetrate the Blood-Brain-Barrier