Neurology

Mouse studies suggest antagonizing the muscarinic receptor CHRM1 could help treat white matter injury. In a mouse model of neonatal chronic hypoxia-induced white matter injury, CHRM1 knockout in oligodendrocyte precursor cells increased axon myelination and synaptic firing in the brain and increased motor function compared with normal CHRM1 expression. Also in the model, the generic muscarinic receptor antagonist clemastine increased axon myelination, the number of synapses in the brain, cognitive recovery and motor function compared with vehicle. Next steps include Phase I testing of clemastine in pediatric white matter injury patients...