NEURO-IMMUNE-ENDOCRINE REGULATING DEVICE AND TREATMENT

Abstract: This invention comprises a method and device especially designed for treating neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction by photostimulating pigmented neurons of the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex with filtered light, so as to achieve a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis (or some other axis). The method of treatment consists of placing the tips of the lens-holders of the device consecutively at three or more contiguous sites of each orbtial roof for 2 to 4 minutes per site, twice weekly, for two months and for further periods as required. Patients are treated in a recumbent (or seated) position with eyes closed. No light is sent through the eyes. This treatment is used for essential hypertension, chronic pharyngitis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies (especially respiratory), immunodeficiency arising from any cause, cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, eczema, psoriasis, thyroid desease, viral syndromes and other pathologies involving neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction. The device is equipped with (at least) two lens-holders, each with a filter transmitting wavelengths peaking at 350-400nm and 750-800nm (or with other appropriate specifications), quartz glass, biconvex lens of 50 dioptres (minimum) and low-powered medical bulb or other light source. In the hand-held model, the holders are mounted in a rectangular platic casing containing a printed circuit, pivot for positioning the holders, an output regulator with a digital display for voltage/mA. The input is 6V DC (battery model), 220V DC (mains model) and output is 0.5-3V DC (variable); 50-300 mA. The hospital model is equipped with computerized circuits comprising craniometric, densitometric, and other programmable functions.

Description: NEURO-IMMUNE-ENDOCRINE REGULATING DEVICE AND TREATMENT TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND This invention, which comprises a device and method of treatment, applies principles of photobiology to the field of neuro-immune-endocrinology. Intended for the treatment of neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction, the invention is designed to photostimulate pigmented neurons in the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex with filtered light. It is known that there are direct afferent and efferent projections between the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis and the brain-bone marrow axis have a central role in neuro- immune-endocrine regulation. Several experiments have shown us that the method of photostimulation, with our device, of the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex can produce a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and or of the brain- bone marrow axis (or conceivably of some other axis), crucial for treating the following pathologies: essential hypertension, chronic pharyngitis, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies (especially respiratory), immunodeficiency arising from any cause, cancer, systemic lupus erythematosus, eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disease, viral syndromes and other pathologies involving neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction. For most of the afore-mentioned diseases, conventional (pharmacological) treatment offers benefits that do not always outweigh the risks to the patient. The device we have invented uses filtered light and no medication of any kind. Treatment with the device is painless, non-invasive and non-toxic. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The device has optical and electronic components with (but not restricted to) the following specifications. All such technical specifications concerning the device provided throughout this document are for the purpose of illustration, not of limitation. In the hand-held model, the optical components comprise two lens-holders made of plastic or other light-weight material (of cylindrical or other form). Each holder is equipped with a quartz glass (diameter : about 9mm, thickness : 1,1mm), placed at the tip, a biconvex lens (minimum 50 dioptres, diameter : about 9mm, thickness : 3mm ; or of other specifications suitable for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex) placed at the appropriate focal distance inside. In front of each biconvex lens is a filter with (or without) a diffuser (diameter : about 9mm, thickness : 1mm), transmitting wavelengths with peaks at 350-400nm and 750-800nm (or with other peaks suitable for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex). A low- powered (2.7V-4V) medical bulb (or light source of similar power) is positioned behind each biconvex lens near the base of each holder. In the hand-held model of the device, the two holders are mounted in a rectangular plastic casing (approx. 132mm x 170mm) which contains a printed circuit, battery housing (for the battery model) and a pivot mechanism for positioning the holders at different sites of the orbital roofs. The input is 6V DC (battery model), 220V DC (mains model) and output is 0.5 - 3V DC (variable) ; 50 - 300 mA . The device is equipped with an output regulator, and a digital display showing voltage or mA. A hospital model of the device is planned which will include computerized circuits comprising craniometric, densitometric, and other programmable functions. The method of treatment consists of placing the tips of the lens-holders consecutively at three or more contiguous sites of each orbital roof for periods of 2 to 4 minutes per site. This treatment is administered twice weekly for a period of up to two months. According to the pathology and the condition of the patient, treatment may be repeated for similar periods as required. Patients are treated in a recumbent (or seated) position, with eyes closed. It must be emphasized that the treatment itself makes no use of the eyes ; in other words, no light is sent through retinal pathways. The orbital roof was selected as the point of entry for photostimulation, since it consists of a thin translucent layer of bone tissue. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the light of practical experience with this invention, the following specifications are of particular importance : For convenience in treatment, the weight of the hand-held model of the device (batteries included) should not exceed 500gr. Though the lens-holders can be made of various light-weight substances, non- conductive material such as hard plastic is recommended. - The tip of each holder must be smooth enough to avoid scratching or causing irritation to the roofs of the orbits. Although filters of 2mm thickness can be used, 1mm thickness is recommended to ensure efficient light transmittance. In order to reduce internal reflection, the surface of each filter facing the light source should have a diffuser. - Lenses of various specifications can be used. However, lenses should meet the following requirements : 50 dioptres (minimum) ; 100 dioptres (maximum) ; biconvex. AR coating is recommended for the lenses and quartz glasses. Treatment should be carried out in subdued lighting conditions (i.e. a low- powered, shaded non-halogen lamp should be used ; fluorescent tubes must be avoided). Although treatment can be administered to patients in a seated position, a recumbent position is recommended since it is more conducive to relaxation. The duration of the treatment per orbital site should be no less than 2 minutes. However, periods of 3-4 minutes per site tend to be particularly effective in most cases. Treatment twice a week yields the best results. Normally, treatment should be given for an initial period of two months. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY Given the type of components required, this medical device can be produced at relatively low cost. The optical and electronic parts can be produced independently and are simple to assemble. An optical company, for example, could subcontract the electronic part of the device (or vice versa). With widespread use of the appliance, it would be quite easy for industry to produce more sophisticated models based on the principles and specifications outlined in the sections above. For instance, an upgraded hospital model could be used in conjunction with brain-imaging devices, EEGs and other neurological equipment. Since the treatment entails sessions of very short duration, the cost to the patient and running costs for the therapist are limited. It should be emphasized that all technical specifications relating to the device that are provided throughout this document are for the purpose of illustration, not of limitation. We Claim : 1. A method of treating neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction by photostimulating pigmented neurons of the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex, so as to achieve a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis (or of some other axis), with an optical electronic device specially designed for the purpose. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the treatment uses the orbital roof as the point of entry for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 3. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the treatment uses the tips of the lens- holders of the specified device consecutively at three or more contiguous sites of each orbital roof. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the treatment is administered for periods of 2 to 4 minutes per site. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the treatment is administered twice weekly for a period of 2 months and for further such periods as required. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the treatment entails the use of filtered light peaking at 350-400nm and 750-800nm (or with other peaks suitable for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex). 7. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein the treatment entails the use of low- powered medical bulbs (2.7V-4V) or other light source of similar power, with an intensity range of 50 - 300mA. 8. The method of claim 3 wherein the treatment is administered to patients in a recumbent (or seated) position, with eyes closed. 9. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein essential hypertension can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 10. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein chronic pharyngitis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 11. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein rheumatoid arthritis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and /or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 12. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein allergies (especially respiratory) can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 13. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein immunodeficency arising from any cause whatsoever can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary- adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 14. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein cancer can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 15. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein systemic lupus erythematosus can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 16. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein eczema can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 17. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein psoriasis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 18. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein thyroid disease can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 19. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein viral syndromes can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, or of some other axis, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 20. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein pathologies involving neuro-immune- endocrine dysfunction can be treated by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 21. A device as described in claim 1 comprising (at least) two lens-holders, each with a quartz glass and a lens of 50 dioptres (minimum), both of about 9mm diameter and/or of such specifications as are required for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 22. A device as described in claims 1 or 21 comprising filters of about 9mm diameter, with (or without) diffusers. 23. A device as described in claim 22 comprising filters transmitting wavelengths with peaks at 350-400 nm and 750-800nm or with any other peaks appropriate for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 24. A device as described in claim 21 using low-powered medical bulbs (2.7V- 4V) or other light sources of similar power and an intensity range of 50 to 300 mA. 25. A device as described in claim 21 equipped with an output regulator, and a (digital) display showing voltage or mA. 26. A device as described in claims 1 or 21 equipped with computerized circuits comprising craniometric, densitometric, and other programmable functions.

Claims: AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 10 January 2000 (10.01.00); original claims 1-26 replaced by amended claims 1-26 (3 pages)] 1. A method of treating neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction by photostimulating pigmented neurons of the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex, so as to achieve a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis (and/or of some other axes), with an optical electronic device specially designed for the purpose. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the treatment uses the orbital roofs and contiguous area for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 3. The method of claims 1 or 2 wherein the treatment uses the tips of the lens- holders) of the specified device consecutively or simultaneously at (contiguous) sites of each orbital roof. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the treatment is administered for periods as appropriate for each pathology and patient. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the treatment is administered at regular intervals, as required. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the treatment entails the use of filtered light peaking at 350-400 nm and 750-800 nm (or with other peaks between 300 and 900 nm suitable for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex). 7. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein the treatment entails the use of low- powered medical bulbs or other light emission means. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the treatment entails the use of low-powered light sources. 9. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein essential hypertension can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 10. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein chronic pharyngitis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 1 1. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein rheumatoid arthritis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and /or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 12. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein allergies can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 13. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein immunodeficiency arising from any cause whatsoever can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary- adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 14. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein cancer can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 15. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein systemic lupus erythematosus can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 16. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein eczema can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 17. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein psoriasis can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 18. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein thyroid disease can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 19. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein viral syndromes can be treated through a modulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and/or of the brain-bone marrow axis, and/or of some other axes, by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 20. The method of claims 1 or 6 wherein pathologies involving neuro-immune- endocrine dysfunction can be treated by photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex via the orbital roofs with the device specified. 21. A device as described in claim 1 for treating neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction, comprising lens-holders, each with glasses and lenses (and/ or other optical means) of such specifications as are required for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 22. A device as described in claims 1 or 21 comprising filters transmitting wavelengths with peaks at 350-400 nm and 750-800 nm or with any other peaks between 300 and 900nm appropriate for photostimulating the orbital areas of the cerebral cortex. 23. A device as described in claim 21 using low-powered medical bulbs or other light emission means. 24. A device as described in claim 21 using low-powered light sources. 25. A device as described in claim 21 equipped with an output regulator and a display showing voltage and/or mA. 26. A device as described in claims 1 or 21 equipped with computerized circuits comprising craniometric, densitometric and other programmable functions.

Inventors: ISSACHAROFF MICHAEL, MADRID LELIA, ISSACHAROFF, MICHAEL, MADRID, LELIA
Applicants: ISSACHAROFF MICHAEL, MADRID LELIA, ISSACHAROFF, MICHAEL, MADRID, LELIA
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61N5
IPC codes: A61N5