Abstract: The invention described in this disclosure involves a new composition of matter, amyloid beta-derived dementing ligands (ADDL's). ADDLs consist of amyloid ? peptide assembled into soluble globular non-fibrillar oligomeric structures that are capable of activating specific cellular processes. The invention further encompasses methods for assaying the formation, presence, receptor protein binding and cellular activities of ADDLs. The invention further encompasses assay methods and inhibitor molecules for cellular signaling molecules activated by ADDLs. Also described are molecules that block proteins that promote the formation of ADDLs.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of preventing neurotoxicity by activated microglia. A method of treating a medical condition in a subject is provided, wherein said condition is affected by the presence of neurotoxins such as peroxynitrite or TNF-&agr;, said method comprising administering to the subject a compound that decomposes peroxynitrite or inhibits TNF-&agr; secretion but does not affect normal activity of microglia, wherein the decomposition of peroxynitrite alone is sufficient to alleviate the pathology of said condition.

Abstract: The invention herein comprises antibodies that bind to amyloid beta-derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs). ADDLs comprise amyloid &bgr; protein assembled into soluble, globular, non-fibrillar, oligomeric structures capable of activating specific cellular processes. The invention also comprises methods of using ADDL-specific antibodies for assaying the formation, presence, receptor protein binding and cellular activity of ADDLs, as well as using such antibodies to detect compounds that block the formation or activity of ADDLs, and methods of identifying such compounds. The invention further provides methods of using ADDL-specific antibodies in modulating ADDL formation and/or activity, inter alia in the treatment of learning and/or memory disorders.

Abstract: The invention described in this disclosure involves a new composition of matter, amyloid beta-derived dementing ligands (ADDL's). ADDLs consist of amyloid &bgr; peptide assembled into soluble globular non-fibrillar oligomeric structures that are capable of activating specific cellular processes. The invention further encompasses methods for assaying the formation, presence, receptor protein binding and cellular activities of ADDLs. The invention further encompasses assay methods and inhibitor molecules for cellular signaling molecules activated by ADDLs. Also described are molecules that block proteins that promote the formation of ADDLs.