Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention includes WKY rats which are selectively bred based on more depressed (WMI) or less depressed (WLI) behavior. The invention also includes methods of using the rats for diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders and further includes compositions based on the genotype differences between WMI and WLI rats.

Abstract: The invention includes a substantially pure preparation of a corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) peptide having from three to twenty one or to twenty five contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth TRH sequence on a prepro-TRH protein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment of depression in animals are provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment of depression in animals are provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a substantially pure preparation of a corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) peptide having from three to twenty one or to twenty five contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth TRH sequence on a prepro-TRH protein.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically measuring an animal's response to his environment in a behavioral test that is indicative of the animal's mental or emotion state. For the behavioral test known as the Porsolt Forced Swim test, a pair of spaced electrodes is positioned in a tank of water in which an animal is placed. A current is applied to the electrodes to generate a voltage across the electrodes that varies with the height of the water at the electrodes and to thus provide an indication of the animal's movement in the water. The electrode signal is processed to determine the energy of the perturbations in the water caused by the animal's movement. This data is used to provide a graphical representation of the animal's activity over time. The data is also compared to one or more thresholds to distinguish various types of behavior, such as floating, swimming and climbing.

Abstract: The invention includes a substantially pure preparation of a peptide having corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) activity comprising at least three contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) sequence on a prepro-TRH protein. The CRIF peptide further comprises the fourth uncleaved TRH portion of prepro-TRH positioned at the amino terminus of CRIF. Compositions, methods of diagnosis and methods of treating CRIF related diseases are also included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention features a substantially pure preparation of a peptide having corticotropin release inhibiting factor (CRIF) activity comprising at least three contiguous amino acids contained within the amino acid sequence positioned between the fourth and fifth thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) sequence on a prepro-TRH protein. The CRIF peptide further comprises the fourth uncleaved TRH portion of prepro-TRH positioned at the amino terminus of CRIF. Compositions, methods of diagnosis and methods of treating CRIF related diseases are also included in the invention.