This research evolved from use of intranasal contrast agents from MEMRI studies of axonal transport and an interest in the advantages of intranasal delivery to specifically target the brain for therapeutic interventions. Research funded by the Alzheimer’s Association investigated a unique therapeutic approach that alters AD progression in transgenic mice as well as repeat concussive brain injury. FDA-approved, paclitaxel has been used for treatment of cancer for over 20 years and inhibits mitosis by stabilizing microtubules. Our hypothesis is that paclitaxel may alter progression of AD by maintaining cytoskeletal structure and function. Intranasal administration limits the systemic distribution, thereby minimizing exposure to non-target organs.
Related Publications
- Cross DJ, Meabon JS, Cline MM, Richards TL, Stump AJ, Cross CG, Minoshima S, Banks WA, Cook DG (2019) Paclitaxel Reduces Brain Injury from Repeated Head Trauma in Mice. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD 67, 859-874.
- Domino EF, Zubieta JK, Guthrie S, Ohl L, Ni L, Koeppe R, Cross D, Minoshima S. Nicotine Effects on Regional Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Glucose in Tobacco Smokers. Neuroscience. 2000 Nov 7;101(2):277-282
- Cross DJ, Minoshima S, Anzai Y, Flexman JA, Keogh BP, Kim Y, Maravilla KR. Statistical mapping of functional olfactory connections of the rat brain in vivo. Neuroimage 2004 23(4): 1326-1335
- Cross, DJ, Anzai, Y, Petrie, EC, Martin, N, Richards, TL, Maravilla, KR, Peskind, ER, Minoshima, S. Loss of olfactory tract integrity affects cortical metabolism in the brain and olfactory regions in aging and MCI. J Nucl Med. Jun 26 2013.
- Craft S, Baker LD, Montine TJ, Minoshima S, Watson SG, Claxton A, Arbuckle M, Callaghan M, Tsai E, Plymate SR, Green PS, Leverenz J, Cross D, Gerton B. Intranasal Insulin Therapy for Alzheimer Disease and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Clinical Trial. Arch Neurol. 2012 Jan;69(1):29-38 PMID:21911655