Abstract: A method of neuroprotection which comprises administration of an AMPK inhibitor to a patient who is experiencing or has experienced a stroke, the compound being an AMPK inhibitor. Treatments with these agents significantly reduce the size of infarcts, and therefore minimize the loss of brain tissue and neurons. Thus, function can be preserved after stroke or ischemic injury in the brain. Similarly, neuronal loss can be minimized in degenerative diseases that cause neuronal compromise by perturbing energy utilization and availability in neurons.

Abstract: A method of neuroprotection which comprises administration of an AMPK inhibitor to a patient who is experiencing or has experienced a stroke, the compound being an AMPK inhibitor. Treatments with these agents significantly reduce the size of infarcts, and therefore minimize the loss of brain tissue and neurons. Thus, function can be preserved after stroke or ischemic injury in the brain. Similarly, neuronal loss can be minimized in degenerative diseases that cause neuronal compromise by perturbing energy utilization and availability in neurons.

Abstract: Olfactory receptor cell lines are conditionally immortalized. Under permissive conditions they proliferate. Under nonpermissive conditions the cells differentiate into mature functional Olfactory Receptor Neurons (ORNs) expressing multiple olfactory neuron-specific markers. Exposure of cells of the clonal lines to a battery of odorants indicates a functionally heterogeneous population, in which approximately 1% of the cells respond to any particular single odorant. This heterogeneity suggests the potential of the cells of the cell line to express multiple different receptors and demonstrates that the cell line is an appropriate model for native Olfactory Receptor Neurons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a sequence that encodes a sperm receptor that is related to, but is different from, a receptor of the odorant receptor family. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining a nucleic acid that comprises a sequence that encodes a sperm receptor, as well as a means of using the elements of the invention in a method of contraception, a method of detecting autoimmune infertility, and a method of affecting fertility.

Abstract: The present invention provides the art with methods for enhancing the sense of smell. The method involves application of an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase to the olfactory epithelium. New inhibitors can be screened using one or more phosphodiesterases isolated from olfactory mucosa. Nebulizers for applying inhibitors to the olfactory mucosa are also provided.

Abstract: Primary cultures of purified olfactory neurons can be stimulated with physiological levels of odorants. The neurons of the cultures express markers characteristic of mature olfactory neurons in vivo, such as vimentin, olfactory marker protein and neuron-specific enolase. The cultures are useful for screening for odorants and antagonists, as well as for biochemical and physiological studies of olfactory transduction. The olfactory neurons may comprise at least about 85% of cells in the culture. The olfactory neurons demonstrate responsiveness in culture to IBMP, citraliva, and isovaleric acid.

Abstract: A method of producing primary cultures of olfactory neurons which are purified from sustentacular cells and basal cells. The neuronal cells demonstrate responsiveness to physiologic levels of odorants and express Olfactory Marker Protein (OMP). The steps required to obtain the primary cultures are:1. providing olfactory epithelium of an animal;2. dissociation of neuronal cells using enzymatic digestion;3. filtering using a mesh filter having a pore size between 10 and 25 microns to separate cell aggregates;4. removal of the cell aggregates; and5. plating the dissociated neuronal cells in a nutrient medium containing D-valine, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), and other significant ingredients to obtain a culture of olfactory neurons. In addition to OMP the neurons are capable of expressing vimentin, neuron-specific enolase but not expressing glial fibrillary acidic proteins, S-100 protein, keratin, or neurofilament protein.

Abstract: Primary cultures of purified olfactory neurons can be stimulated with physiological levels of ordorants. The neurons of the cultures express markers characteristic of mature olfactory neurons in vivo, such as vimentin, olfactory marker protein and neuron-specific enolase. The cultures are useful for screening for odorants and antagonists, as well as for biochemical and physiological studies of olfactory transduction. The olfactory neurons may contain at least about 95% of cells in the culture. The olfactory neurons demonstrate responsiveness in culture to IBMP, citraliva, and isovaleric acid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to continuous, non-maligant, neuronal cell lines, the cells of which: a) in the undifferentiated form are essentially free of branched process; b) stain positively for neurofilament protein and neurotransmitters; c) do not stain positively for glial fibrillary acidic protein; and d) in the presence of nerve growth factor differentiate into cells with long branched processes. Derivative cell lines of such cell lines are also contemplated. The cell lines are useful in screening methods for evaluation of chemical and biological compounds as well as for therapeutic uses.