Abstract: DNA encoding an endothelin receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 in the Sequence Listing is isolated from cDNA which is prepared from poly(A)+ RNA derived from a human placenta. In addition, an expression vector containing the DNA and a transformant containing the expression vector are obtained. An endothelin receptor is obtained by culturing this transformant. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is an ETA-receptor which has a high affinity for endothelins 1 and 2, especially for the endothelin 1. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 is an ETB-receptor which has an affinity for endothelins 1, 2 and 3 with no selectivity.

Abstract: DNA encoding an endothelin receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 in the Sequence Listing is isolated from cDNA which is prepared from poly(A)+RNA derived from a human placenta. In addition, an expression vector containing the DNA and a transformant containing the expression vector are obtained. An endothelin receptor is obtained by culturing this transformant. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is an ETA-receptor which has a high affinity for endothelins 1 and 2, especially for the endothelin 1. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 is an ETB-receptor which has an affinity for endothelins 1, 2 and 3 with no selectivity.

Abstract: DNA encoding an endothelin receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 in the Sequence Listing is isolated from cDNA which is prepared from poly(A)+RNA derived from a human placenta. In addition, an expression vector containing the DNA and a transformant containing the expression vector are obtained. An endothelin receptor is obtained by culturing this transformant. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is an ETA-receptor which has a high affinity for endothelins 1 and 2, especially for the endothelin 1. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 is an ETB-receptor which has an affinity for endothelins 1, 2 and 3 with no selectivity.

Abstract: SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2 in the Sequence Listing is isolated from cDNA which is prepared from poly(A) +RNA derived from a human placenta. In addition, an expression vector containing the DNA and a transformant containing the expression vector are obtained. An endothelin receptor is obtained by culturing this transformant. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is an ETA-receptor which has a high affinity for endothelins 1 and 2, especially for the endothelin 1. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 is an ETB-receptor which has an affinity for endothelins 1, 2 and 3 with no selectivity.

Abstract: DNA encoding an endothelin receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In the Sequence Listing is isolated from cDNA which is prepared from poly(A)+RNA derived from a human placenta. In addition, an expression vector containing the DNA and a transformant containing the expression vector are obtained. An endothelin receptor is obtained by culturing this transformant. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2 is an ETA-receptor which has a high affinity for endothelins 1 and 2, especially for the endothelin 1. A receptor shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4 is an ETB-receptor which has an affinity for endothelins 1, 2 and 3 with no selectivity.

Abstract: A method for testing the inducibility of the hypothalamus to effect the secretion of andrenocorticotropic hormone comprising the steps of:(a) administering to a test subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a derivative of human IL-1.beta. selected from the group consisting of human IL-1.beta. [7-153], human IL-1.beta. [1-148], human IL-1.beta. [Gly.sup.4 ], human IL-1.beta. [Leu.sup.93 ] and human IL-1.beta. [des Arg.sup.98]; and(b) measuring an increase in blood levels of at least one of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone,wherein the degree of increase in said blood levels of at least one of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone, corresponds to the degree of inducibility of the hypothalamus and is not substantially due to the induction of fever.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which recognizes the N-terminal of .alpha.-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (.alpha.-ANP). A hybridoma producing said monoclonal antibody and a process for immunoassay of .alpha.-ANP are also provided.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody which recognizes the N-terminal of gamma-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (.gamma.-ANP). A hybridoma producing said monoclonal antibody and a process for immunoassay of .gamma.-ANP are also provided.

Abstract: A cloned single-strand DNA comprising nucleotide sequence which encodes human motilin precursor, a cloned double-strand DNA consisting of the single-strand DNA and its complementary single-strand DNA, a fragment of the single- or double-strand DNA, a plasmid, in which the double-strand DNA or its fragment is integrated, as well as a process for the preparation of the single- or double-strand DNA.