Abstract: It is intended to clarify a transportation system participating in the uric acid uptake in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and provide a novel remedy, a preventive or a treating agent for vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders with the use of a drug participating in this transportation system. It is also intended to provide a novel screening system for a remedy, a preventive or a treating agent for vascular disorders, hypertension and renal disorders with the use of such a transportation system.

Abstract: A polyamide composition, which exhibits improved strength properties and low wear properties at elevated temperatures, includes an effective amount of an aluminosilicate ceramic fiber. One preferred composition includes nylon 66 (i.e., a condensation product of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine) and between 10 and 20 weight percent of an aluminosilicate ceramic fiber, comprising about 43 weight percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and about 54 weight percent SiO.sub.2. Due to their enhanced strength and wear properties at elevated temperatures, the compositions of the present invention find particular utility as molded components in mechanisms susceptible to high temperature.