Abstract: Object of the present invention is the use of selective agonists of beta-adrenergic type 3 receptors (BAR3) in the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), in particular of X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (X-NDI).

Abstract: The invention provides GPR17 modulators, methods of screening and use thereof for diagnosis and therapy of diseases or dysfunctions involving GPR17 activation, particularly ischemic brain damage.

Abstract: A bioreactor device for studying the effects of physical, chemical, mechanical and electromagnetic stimuli on the cellular activity. In particular, the device uses a sensorized premixing chamber (1), a culture chamber (2) for observing the development of the cells by a microscope (40). Output signals are transmitted to a control unit for amplifying and filtering the signals (50), which transmits the treated signals to a computer (52). To another control unit (51) actuating electrovalves (20), (21) and (22) are connected that adjust the introduction of gas in the premixing chamber. The culture medium is drawn from the premixing chamber (1) through a duct (4) and its flow is adjusted by a peristaltic pump (30). The culture medium crosses then the culture chamber (2) and continues its path in a duct (3), returning again in the premixing chamber (1). At the outlet of the culture chamber (2) the duct has a sample point (23) for picking up an amount of culture medium to analyze.

Abstract: A process for determining S-nitrosothiols, in particular S-nitrosoglutathione, in biological fluids that is easy, selective, cheap with respect to the prior art, which requires the use of equipment commonly available in laboratories, at low cost, which can be used by not qualified operators. The process is based on the hydrolysis of S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) by an enzyme, in particular ?-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT). This enzyme hydrolizes the residual 7-glutamyl of GSNO for giving glutamate (GIu) and S-nitroso-cysteinylglycine (GIyCySNO). In the presence of ions of transition metals GGT speeds up the release of NO since the intermediate that is formed, the GIyCySNO, is is much more sensitive to a metal-dependent decomposition. Advantageously, the amount of nitric oxide present in the sample is measured through a reaction thereof with 4,5 diaminof luorescein (DAF-2), said reaction creating a fluorescent compound in an amount proportional to the S-nitrosothiol amount present in the sample.