Abstract: Certain novel spiropiperidine compounds are agonists of melanocortin receptor(s) and are useful for the treatment, control or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of melanocortin receptors. The compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment of diseases and disorders such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: Certain novel substituted piperidine compounds are agonists of the human melanocortin receptor(s) and, in particular, are selective agonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R). They are therefore useful for the treatment, control, or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of MC-4R, such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction. Also provided are methods of treating sexual dysfunction with a compound that is a selective agonist of MC-4R over any other human melanocortin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal embryo lacking native presenilin 1 and a transgenic non-human animal having only a non-native presenilin 1. The transgenic animals and cells derived therefrom can be used in the study of the expression pattern, activity and modulators of presenilin 1, in the study of the role of presenilin 1 in Alzheimer's Disease and in the study of disorders of the central nervous system.

Abstract: Certain novel spiropiperidine compounds are agonists of melanocortin receptor(s) and are useful for the treatment, control or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of melanocortin receptors. The compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment of diseases and disorders such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: Certain novel spiropiperidine compounds are agonists of melanocortin receptor(s) and are useful for the treatment, control or prevention of diseases and disorders responsive to the activation of melanocortin receptors. The compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment of diseases and disorders such as obesity, diabetes, sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: An assay for the detection of growth hormone secretagogue receptors and growth hormone secretagogue related receptors is described. As these receptors are a member of the G protein coupled receptors, a subunit of the G protein must be present in order for expression to be detected. A similar assay is described where the presence of growth hormone secretagogues are detected.

Abstract: Transgenic non-human mammals which express in their brains a nucleic acid construct comprising a DNA sequence encoding a human amyloid precursor protein FAD variant where at amino acid position 717 valine is substituted by isoleucine. These transgenic non-human mammals can be assays systems for determining compounds which are effective in modulating production of human amyloid precursor protein in brain and in isolated neuronal cells. Specifically exemplified are transgenic mice whose genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a human amyloid precursor protein FAD variant where at amino acid position 717 valine is substituted by isoleucine operably linked to a Thy-1 promoter. The mice are shown to produce the APP-FAD variant in their brains by mRNA and protein assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transgenic nonhuman animal lacking native amyloid precursor protein. The transgenic mouse of the invention may be used in the study of Alzheimer's Disease and disorders involving the central nervous system.

Abstract: A trans-activation assay for leptin is described. Leptin response elements are located proximal to a promoter, and the promoter region is operatively linked to a reporter gene. When leptin binds with the receptor, the reporter gene is transcribed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preserving cells which comprises the steps of (a) suspending cells in a physiologically-acceptable, isotonic medium; and (b) fixing the cells so suspended at a temperature of less than about 10.degree. C. under sufficiently hypertonic conditions so as to disperse the cells in a single, unagglutinated state, thereby preserving cells. This invention also provides a method for detecting cells separated from a sample which have been preserved according to the aforementioned method. This invention also provides a method for visualizing cells. Also provided is a method for detecting a metabolic process in cells present in a sample. This invention also provides a method for detecting the presence of rare cells in a sample which specifically possess on their surfaces a moiety recognized by a known ligand comprising preserving cells separated from the sample according to the aforementioned method for preserving cells.

Abstract: A transgenic mouse has been prepared that expresses a human interluekin-1.beta. transgene. Expression of the transgene is mediated by a mouse metallothionein promoter. As a result of the expression of this transgene, the mouse has inflammation of its kidney and liver. The claimed animals are useful as screening tools for agents that are potentially useful for treating inflammation.

Abstract: DNAs encoding voltage-activated cation channels have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for preserving cells which comprises the steps of (a) suspending cells in a physiologically-acceptable, isotonic medium; and (b) fixing the cells so suspended at a temperature of less than about 10.degree. C. under sufficiently hypertonic conditions so as to disperse the cells in a single, unagglutinated state, thereby preserving cells. This invention also provides a method for detecting cells separated from a sample which have been preserved according to the aforementioned method. This invention also provides a method for visualizing cells. Also provided is a method for detecting a metabolic process in cells present in a sample. This invention also provides a method for detecting the presence of rare cells in a sample which specifically possess on their surfaces a moiety recognized by a known ligand comprising preserving cells separated from the sample according to the aforementioned method for preserving cells.

Abstract: DNAs encoding voltage-activated cation channels have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: DNAs encoding voltage-activated cation channels have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA's have been expressed in recombinant host cells which produce active recombinant protein. The recombinant protein is also purified from the recombinant host cells. In addition, the recombinant host cells are utilized to establish a method for identifying modulators of the channel activity, and channel modulators are identified. Channel modulators are useful as insecticides and arachnicidic agents.