Abstract: This invention provides a compound of the formula (I): a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, R2 is hydrogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, Ring A is monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic heterocycle, R3 is substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle, R4 is halogen, cyano, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl or the like, m is an integer between 0 and 2, n is an integer between 0 and 5, R is halogen, oxo, cyano, nitro, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or the like, and p is an integer between 0 and 2 as novel compounds having NPY Y5 antagonistic activity.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen or an alkyl group, which comprises reacting a compound of the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted alkyl group or an optionally substituted phenyl group, with a compound of the formula (III):HNR.sup.3 R.sup.4 (III)wherein each symbol is as defined above, and optionally alkylating the resulting compound. Intermediates for this process are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, adrenomedullin which is a novel peptide having a hypotensive effect; proadrenomedullin N-terminal 20 peptide (proAM-N20) corresponding to an amino acid sequence of an N-terminus of proadrenomedullin, having a catecholamine secretion inhibitory effect; proadrenomedullin N-terminal 10-20 peptide (proAM-N(10-20)) having a Na channel inhibitory effect, and a gene encoding these peptides are provided. In addition, according to the present invention, these peptides in a sample containing adrenomdullin or proAM-N20 in an unknown amount can be quantified by using an antibody against adrenomedullin, proAM-N20, or its fragment.

Abstract: An acrylic copolymer of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid wherein the weight ratio of ethyl acrylate to methacrylic acid is in a range between 75:25 and 95:5, containing therein a residual monomer content of 50 ppm or less, but substantially no surfactants, and which is useful as agents for protecting the skin and manufactured from the following essential components:a. an acrylic copolymer of ethyl acrylate and methacrylic acid wherein the weight ratio of ethyl acrylate to methacrylic acid is in a range between 75:25 and 95:5, containing therein residual monomers in an amount of 50 ppm or less, but substantially no surfactants--approximately 2 to 10%;b. cellulose derivative--approximately 0.2 to 2%; andc. a necessary amount of an aqueous alcohol to make the whole 100%.