Abstract: This invention relates to DNA libraries, in particular a human VNO cDNA library is described. Pheromone receptor cDNA once isolated is transfected into competent cells. The transfected cell lines provide a scaleable source of homogeneous material to develop efficient, automated high throughput screening assays for new vomeropherins, and thereby reduce the ongoing need for human volunteers in the preclinical phases of drug discovery. Identification and characterization of the human VNO receptor(s) will facilitate the development and commercialization of vomeropherins with improved specificity, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of the target diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to DNA libraries, in particular a human VNO cDNA library is described. Pheromone receptor cDNA once isolated is transfected into competent cells. The transfected cell lines provide a scaleable source of homogeneous material to develop efficient, automated high throughput screening assays for new vomeropherins, and thereby reduce the ongoing need for human volunteers in the preclinical phases of drug discovery. Identification and characterization of the human VNO receptor(s) will facilitate the development and commercialization of vomeropherins with improved specificity, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of the target diseases.

Abstract: 17-Methylenandrostan-3&agr;-ol analogs are useful as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) inhibitors, and especially as anti-depressants, when administered to the vomeronasal organ. An improved synthesis of 17-methylenandrost-4-en-3&agr;-ol is disclosed.

Abstract: Pregnanes of formula I, and pharmaceutical compositions and products containing them, are useful in weight promotion by administration to the vomeronasal organ.

Abstract: A method of increasing alertness in an individual by administering an effective amount of an alertness-increasing vomeropherin to the individual; and an alarm device that, when activated, emits an alertness-increasing vomeropherin. The method and device are especially useful in increasing alertness in individuals who are not readily responsive to usual external stimuli.

Abstract: 17-Methyleneandrostan-3&agr;-ol analogs are useful as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) inhibitors, and especially as anti-depressants, when administered to the vomeronasal organ. An improved synthesis of 17-methylenandrost-4-en-3&agr;-ol is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to DNA libraries, in particular a human VNO cDNA library is described. Pheromone receptor cDNA once isolated is transfected into competent cells. The transfected cell lines provide a scaleable source of homogeneous material to develop efficient, automated high throughput screening assays for new vomeropherins, and thereby reduce the ongoing need for human volunteers in the preclinical phases of drug discovery. Identification and characterization of the human VNO receptor(s) will facilitate the development and commercialization of vomeropherins with improved specificity, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of the target diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human semiochemical, e.g. an Androstane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a semiochemical, such that the ligand semiochemical binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a 19-nor cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, androstane steroids which are the ligand semiochemicals which bind to neuroepithelial receptors.

Abstract: The invention relates to estrene steroids, which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of alleviating pain. The method comprises nasally administering a steroid which is a human vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: Several 19-nor-pregnanes are provided which have the capacity to neurochemically alter the hypothalamic function in an individual through nasal administration. These pharmaceutically active compounds can be administered by themselves or in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human semiochemical, e.g. an Estrene steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing an Estrene steroid, such that the ligand semiochemical binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of alleviating the symptoms of PMS and anxiety. The method comprises nasally administering a steroid which is a human vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering the blood levels of LH or FSH in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a steroid which is a human vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of alleviating the symptoms of PMS and anxiety. The method comprises nasally administering a steroid which is a human vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to estrene steroids, which bind to neuroepithelial receptors. The steroid is preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of altering hypothalamic function in an individual. The method comprises nasally administering a human vomeropherin, e.g. a pregnane or cholane steroid, or a pharmaceutical composition containing a vomeropherin, such that the vomeropherin binds to a specific neuroepithelial receptor. The steroid or steroids is/are preferably administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition containing one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Other embodiments of the invention include pharmaceutical compositions containing the steroids.