Patent ID: 7572788

Claim:
A method for increasing superoxide levels or altering cellular ATP levels in target cells having mitochondria comprising: a. providing: i. target cells having mitochondria; ii. a composition comprising a benzodiazepine compound that binds to oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein within the mitochondria, wherein said benzodiazepine compound does not bind to a central benzodiazepine receptor, and binds only with low affinity to a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, wherein said benodiazepine compound is a compound of formula I or II, wherein formula I is represented by: including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein R 1 is selected from group consisting of phenol; 1-napthalenol; 2 napthalenol; and quinolines; R 2 comprises a chemical moiety comprising a hydroxyl group; wherein R1 and R2 include both R or S enantiomeric forms and racemic mixtures; and formula II is represented by: including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and both R and S enantiomeric forms and racemic mixtures thereof; wherein R 1 is alkyl; R 2 is halogen; R 5 is one of the following: n is 0-5; and b. exposing said cells to said composition such that said benzodiazepine compound binds to said oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein within said mitochondria so as to increase superoxide levels or alter cellular ATP levels in said target cells.