Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a kit using a novel marker associated with depression. The marker for depression includes one or more selected from a noradrenaline transporter and a dopamine transporter. The method for determining depression includes a step of examining an expression level of the marker for depression in a blood sample collected from a subject.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a method for utilizing a novel marker, including a method for determining depression; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter. [Solution] A method for determining depression, comprising a step of analyzing the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a blood sample collected from a subject; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood, which comprises an ubiquitinated protein collector material and an anti-serotonin transporter antibody and is used for the analysis of the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a collected blood sample.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a method for utilizing a novel marker, including a method for determining depression; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter. [Solution] A method for determining depression, comprising a step of analyzing the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a blood sample collected from a subject; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood, which comprises an ubiquitinated protein collector material and an anti-serotonin transporter antibody and is used for the analysis of the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a collected blood sample.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a method for utilizing a novel marker, including a method for determining depression; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter. [Solution] A method for determining depression, comprising a step of analyzing the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a blood sample collected from a subject; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood, which comprises an ubiquitinated protein collector material and an anti-serotonin transporter antibody and is used for the analysis of the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a collected blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a kit using a novel marker associated with depression. The marker for depression includes one or more selected from a noradrenaline transporter and a dopamine transporter. The method for determining depression includes a step of examining an expression level of the marker for depression in a blood sample collected from a subject.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: a method for utilizing a novel marker, including a method for determining depression; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter. [Solution] A method for determining depression, comprising a step of analyzing the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a blood sample collected from a subject; and a kit for analyzing an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in blood, which comprises an ubiquitinated protein collector material and an anti-serotonin transporter antibody and is used for the analysis of the proportion of an ubiquitinated serotonin transporter in a collected blood sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is useful means for the therapy or diagnosis of a mental disorder. A method for screening for a compound which is effective for a mental disorder, comprising the steps of (1) providing a cell capable of expressing a gene (target gene) selected from the group consisting of a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 and genes homologous to these genes; (2) exposing the cell to a compound to be tested; (3) determining the amount of a product of the target gene expressed in the cell after the exposure to the compound; and (4) determining the change in amount of the product of the target gene under the influence of exposure to the compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracerebral oxidation inhibitor for preventing the onset of mental deterioration, which has early therapeutic effects. Specifically, the present invention relates to: an intracerebral oxidation inhibitor comprising a peptide consisting of Leu and Ile or a modified form thereof as an active ingredient; and a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for mental deterioration comprising the peptide consisting of Leu and Ile or a modified form thereof as an active ingredient and having effects of inhibiting intracerebral oxidation.

Abstract: Disclosed is useful means for the therapy or diagnosis of a mental disorder. A method for screening for a compound which is effective for a mental disorder, comprising the steps of (1) providing a cell capable of expressing a gene (target gene) selected from the group consisting of a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, a gene having the nucleotide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:3 and genes homologous to these genes; (2) exposing the cell to a compound to be tested; (3) determining the amount of a product of the target gene expressed in the cell after the exposure to the compound; and (4) determining the change in amount of the product of the target gene under the influence of exposure to the compound.

Abstract: A medicament which comprises as an active ingredient a compound represented by the following formula: R.sup.2 -CH.sub.2 CONH-R.sup.1 wherein R.sup.1 represents a pyridyl group, a substituted pyridyl group, phenyl group, or a substituted phenyl group; and R.sup.2 represents 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinyl group which may optionally be substituted, and inhibits the development of dependency induced by a narcotic analgesic and/or inhibit the development of tolerance to analgesic action induced by a narcotic analgesic agent.