| abstract |
A method is provided for treating a patient in need of therapy for acute neuronal degeneration due to metabolic compromise of central or peripheral nervous system cells comprising administering to that patient a therapeutically effective amount of a 7.alpha.-hydroxy substituted steroid selected from 7.alpha.-hydroxy-derivatives of estradiols, dehydroepiandrosterones and pregnenolones, and metabolic precursors thereof. Use of such compounds for manufacture of medicaments and neuroprotective compositions are also provided. |