BALTIMORE, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers said a study in mice indicates some antibiotics may help treat certain brain disorders, including Lou Gehrig's disease and epilepsy.
The Johns Hopkins University team, which reported the study in the Jan. 6 issue of Nature, said it was too early to know if the findings would hold in humans, but clinical trials already are scheduled to begin in the spring.
Their research found the antibiotics penicillin and ceftriaxone help reduce levels of a brain chemical called glutamate, which at high concentrations can kill nerves.
Mice genetically engineered to develop a condition similar to Lou Gehrig's disease were treated with ceftriaxone and experienced a delay in the development of nerve damage and other symptoms. These rats survived for 10 days longer than untreated animals.
The findings suggest the antibiotics could hold promise for treating patients with other brain disorders, including dementia, stroke and epilepsy, the researchers said.
