Disclosed is an isocapnic respiratory stimulator for providing a mixture of fresh air and CO2 enriched exhaled air. The respirator comprises a mixing chamber with a breathing port and at least one vent port. Fresh air is mixed thoroughly with exhaled air in the mixing chamber. Upon sustained breathing from the chamber, the minute ventilation of the insure is increased with experiencing any substantial change in arterial blood CO2 level. This provides methods to avoid or treat hypoxia experienced by an individual at altitudes above 5000 feet, to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, to induce losing weight, to assist in smoking cessation, to condition an athlete to minimize dyspnea, and to condition respiratory muscles.

Respiratory stimulator &amp; methods of use

Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preconditioning and/or providing neuroprotection to the animal central nervous system against the effects of ischemia, trauma, metal poisoning and neurodegeneration, including the associated cognitive, behavioral and physical impairments. In one embodiment, the method is accomplished by stimulating and stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor-1.alpha. (HIF-1.alpha.). HIF-1.alpha. is known to provide a neuroprotective benefit under ischemic conditions. Patients at risk for certain diseases or disorders that are associated with risk for cerebral ischemia may benefit, e.g., those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease or stroke or those patients having head or spinal cord injury. Patients undergoing certain medical procedures that may result in ischemia may also benefit. Initially, the possibility of ischemia or neurodegeneration is recognized. Intranasal therapeutic agents are administered to the upper third of the nasal cavity to bypass the blood-brain barrier and access the central nervous system directly to avoid unwanted and potentially lethal side effects. Therapeutic agents include those substances that interact with iron and/or copper such as iron chelators, copper chelators, and antioxidants. A particular example of such therapeutic agents is the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO). Intranasal administration of DFO is known to stimulate and/or stabilize HIF-1.alpha. and provides an efficient and safe method for pre-conditioning the brain to protect against cerebral ischemia. Moreover, DFO is shown to decrease weight loss in subjects when administered pre and/or post stroke.

weight loss/hypoxia

Respiratory stimulator & methods of use

Methods for providing neuroprotection for the animal central nervous system against neurodegeneration caused by ischemia

Самая поўная база дадзеных пра лекавыя травы, падтрыманая навукай