The present invention provides for a compound having the structure:
(AA.sub.1).sub.n-Cys-(AA.sub.2).sub.m wherein n=0,1,2,3,4 or 5 and
m=0,1,2,3,4 or 5, provided the sum of (n+m) is greater than or equal to
two and less than or equal to five, if n=1, (AA.sub.1).sub.n=Ala-, if
n=2, (AA.sub.1).sub.n=Gln-Ala-, if n.gtoreq.3,
(AA.sub.1).sub.n=(Xaa).sub.p-Gln-Ala-, and Xaa=any amino acid and wherein
if n=n3, p=1, if n=4, p=2, if n=5, p=3, if m=1, (AA.sub.2).sub.m=-Arg, if
m=2, (AA.sub.2).sub.m=-Arg-Gly, if m.gtoreq.3,
(AA.sub.2).sub.m=-Arg-Gly-(Xaa).sub.q, wherein if m=3, q=1, if m=4, q=2,
if m=5, q=3. The present invention provides for a method of inhibiting
cell death and a method for alleviating symptoms of a neurodegenerative
disorder in a subject.
