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AssigneesUniversity of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., University of Southern California
InventorsRenee Kaswan, Austin K. Mircheff, Dwight W. Warren
Estimating the term…
Methods and compositions for the prevention or reversal of exocrine gland atrophy, especially lacrimal gland atrophy, by maintaining normal physiological levels of prolactin are described. In the preferred embodiment, exogenous prolactin or a substance that modulates endogenous prolactin secretion is administered to a mammal in combination with an androgen, such as testosterone. The combination acts synergistically to maintain or restore normal prolactin concentrations, resulting in the maintenance or restoration of gland mass and function. Administration of prolactin and androgen in combination with estrogen is particularly useful in the treatment of lacrimal gland dysfunction in post-menopausal women or women who have undergone ovariohysterectomies.
A method of preventing or reversing secretory exocrine gland atrophy in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal in need thereof a synergistic amount effective to prevent or reverse secretory exocrine gland atrophy of the combination of a compound modulating endogenous prolactin levels and an androgen selected from the group consisting of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, wherein the secretory exocrine gland is selected from the group consisting of salivary glands, lacrimal glands, mucus-secreting glands, glands of the gastrointestinal system, glands of the urinary system, and vaginal glands.
A composition for the treatment of secretory exocrine gland atrophy comprising synergistic effective amounts of an androgen selected from the group consisting of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and a compound modulating endogenous prolactin levels to prevent or reverse atrophy or maintain function of a secretory exocrine gland, wherein the secretory exocrine gland is selected from the group consisting of salivary glands, lacrimal glands, mucus-secreting glands, glands of the gastrointestinal system, glands of the urinary system, and vaginal glands, in a physiologically acceptable carrier.
A composition for the treatment of secretory exocrine gland atrophy comprising an effective amount of the combination of an androgen and a compound modulating endogenous prolactin levels, in a physiologically acceptable carrier, to prevent or reverse atrophy or maintain function of a secretory exocrine gland, wherein the exocrine gland is the lacrimal gland.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.