Abstract: The invention is directed to a new method of isolating and purifying a large quantity of neuropeptide containing secretory vesicles (dense core vesicles) from a specific brain region and subsequently isolating and identifying novel neuropeptides contained therein. The method of the invention has significant practical value. The availability of large quantities of such vesicles will enable the identification of novel peptides using highly sensitive techniques, e.g., mass spectroscopy. Such neuropeptides are highly likely to have novel biological effects.

Abstract: Antisense oligonucleotides specific for the muscarinic type 2 acetylcholine receptor mRNA have been identified. Administration of these oligonucleotides to animals resulted in an increase in memory and learning. Methods for discovering other oligonucleotides with the same activity are taught, as are uses of the antisense molecules for treatment of human and animal diseases.