| abstract |
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of induction of a cellular stress response and a protected phenotype using heavy metal ions. The invention relates to methods of protecting a mammal against injury caused by a noxious condition by administering to the mammal a heavy metal in sufficient quantity and under appropriate conditions to induce a sufficient cellular stress response to provide protection (partial or complete) against injury caused by a noxious condition. The invention also relates to methods of inducing a cellular stress response in a mammal by administering a heavy metal in sufficient quantity and under appropriate conditions to induce a cellular stress response to protect the mammal against injury caused by a noxious condition. The invention also relates to compositions comprising a heavy metal, and an additional component, such as a stress protein, agents which enhance a cellular stress response, aid in the uptake of heavy metal into the tissue, or have a synergistic effect with heavy metals, stress proteins and/or other agents for the induction of the cellular stress response. |