Treatment of inflammatory disorders
AssigneesGalvani Bioelectronics Limited, Universite De Nice Sophia Antipolis, Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique
InventorsPhilippe BLANCOU, Nicolas GLAICHENHAUS, Arun SRIDHAR
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Stimulation of neural signalling of an apical splenic nerve can modulate pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules levels, thereby reducing inflammation and providing ways of treating inflammatory disorders.
Claims37
A device or system for stimulating the neural activity of an apical splenic nerve, the device or system comprising:
- at least one transducer suitable for placement on or around the apical splenic nerve, and a signal generator for generating at least one signal to be applied to the apical splenic nerve via the at least one transducer wherein the at least one signal stimulates or inhibits the neural activity of the apical splenic nerve to produce a physiological response in the subject, wherein the physiological response is one or more of the group consisting of:
- a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines, an increase in catecholamines, changes in immune cell population or immune cell surface co-stimulatory molecules, a reduction in factors involved in the inflammation cascade or a reduction in immune response mediators;
- and wherein the at least one transducer is at least one electrode, and the signal generator is a voltage or current source configured to generate an electrical signal to be applied to the apical splenic nerve via the at least one electrode, and wherein the stimulation electrical signal has a frequency of between 1 Hz and 50 Hz.
A method of reducing inflammation in a subject by reversibly stimulating neural activity of an apical splenic nerve, comprising:
- (i) implanting in the subject a device or system of the invention;
- positioning the transducer in signalling contact with an apical splenic nerve;
- and optionally (iii) activating the device or system.
A method of reversibly stimulating neural activity in an apical splenic nerve, comprising:
- (i) implanting in the subject a device or system of the invention;
- positioning the transducer in signalling contact with an apical splenic nerve;
- and optionally (iii) activating the device or system.
A method of treating in a subject who suffers from, or is at risk of, inflammatory disorder, comprising (i) implanting in the subject a device or system of the invention;
- positioning the transducer in signalling contact with an apical splenic nerve;
- and optionally (iii) activating the device or system.
A neurostimulatory electrical waveform for use in reversibly stimulating cytokine secretion from the spleen, wherein the waveform is comprised of a plurality of pulse trains of square or sawtooth pulses, wherein the plurality of pulse trains is delivered at a frequency of between 1 Hz and 50 Hz, such that when applied to a subject's apical splenic nerve, the waveform stimulates neural activity in the apical splenic nerve.
A charged particle for use in a method of reducing inflammation, wherein the charged particle causes reversible depolarisation or hyperpolarization of the nerve membrane of an apical splenic nerve, such that an action potential is generated de novo in the modified nerve.
A modified apical splenic nerve, wherein the nerve membrane is reversibly depolarised or hyperpolarised by an electric field, such that an action potential is generated de novo in the modified nerve.
A modified apical splenic nerve comprising a distribution of potassium and sodium ions which propagate an action potential along the nerve in a normal state;
- wherein at least a portion of the nerve is subject to the application of a temporary external electrical field which modifies the concentration of potassium and sodium ions within the nerve, causing depolarization or hyperpolarization of the nerve membrane, thereby, in a disrupted state, temporarily generating an action potential de novo across that portion;
- wherein the nerve returns to its normal state once the external electrical field is removed.
A method of controlling a device or system of the invention which is in signalling contact with an apical splenic nerve, comprising a step of sending control instructions to the device or system, in response to which the device or system applies a signal to the apical splenic nerve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.