Patent ID: 6867237

Claim:
A method for inhibiting or delaying apoptosis in vitro in a cell or cells of a mammalian corpus luteum, comprising administering to said cell or cells an agent that is capable of inhibiting an apoptosis-induced DHS catalyzed chemical reaction, wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of spermidine, 1,3-Diamino-propane, 1,4-Diamino-butane (putrescine), 1,7-Diamino-heptane, and 1,8-Diamino-octane; and wherein said inhibiting apoptosis-induced DHS catalyzed chemical reaction reduces levels of activated apoptosis-induced eIF-5A or inhibits activation of apoptosis-induced eIF-5A; and wherein said reduction of apoptosis-induced eIF-5A or inhibition of activation of apoptosis-induced eIF-5A inhibits or delays apoptosis.