Abstract: Amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing which is activated by cell-surface neurotransmitter receptors, is described. An assay for testing an agent for the capacity to regulate, and particularly to stimulate, secretion of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a description of the characteristics of agents identified by the assay, and a method of altering APP processing in an individual are also disclosed. The assay, agents, and method of altering APP processing are particularly useful for the treatment and prevention of diseases involving APP processing, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the stimulation of &bgr;-adrenergic receptors, which activate cAMP formation, give rise to increased APP and GFAP synthesis in astrocytes. Hence, the in vitro or in vivo exposure of neuronal cells to certain compositions comprising &bgr;-adrenergic receptor ligands or agonists, including, e.g., norepinephrine, isoproterenol and the like, increases APP mRNA transcription and consequent APP overproduction. These increases are blocked by &bgr;-adrenergic receptor antagonists, such as propranolol. The in vitro or in vivo treatment of these cells with 8Br-cAMP, prostaglandin E2 (PG E2), forskolin, and nicotine ditartrate also increased APP synthesis, including an increase in mRNA and holoprotein levels, as well as an increase in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Compositions and methods are disclosed of regulating APP overexpression and mediating reactive astrogliosis through cAMP signaling or the activation of &bgr;-adrenergic receptors.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the stimulation of &bgr;adrenergic receptors, which activate cAMP formation, give rise to increased APP and GFAP synthesis in astrocytes. Hence, the in vitro or in vivo exposure of neuronal cells to certain compositions comprising &bgr;-adrenergic receptor ligands or agonists, including, e.g., norepinephrine, isoproterenol and the like, increases APP mRNA transcription and consequent APP overproduction. These increases are blocked by &bgr;-adrenergic receptor antagonists, such as propranolol. The in vitro or in vivo treatment of these cells with 8Br-cAMP, prostaglandin E2 (PG E2), forskolin, and nicotine ditartrate also increased APP synthesis, including an increase in mRNA and holoprotein levels, as well as an increase in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Compositions and methods are disclosed of regulating APP overexpression and mediating reactive astrogliosis through cAMP signaling or the activation of &bgr;-adrenergic receptors.

Abstract: It has been discovered that the stimulation of .beta.-adrenergic receptors, which activate cAMP formation, give rise to increased APP and GFAP synthesis in astrocytes. Hence, the in vitro or in vivo exposure of neuronal cells to certain compositions comprising .beta.-adrenergic receptor ligands or agonists, including, e.g., norepinephrine, isoproterenol and the like, increases APP mRNA transcription and consequent APP overproduction. These increases are blocked by .beta.-adrenergic receptor antagonists, such as propranolol. The in vitro or in vivo treatment of these cells with 8Br-cAMP, prostaglandin E.sub.2 (PG E.sub.2), forskolin, and nicotine ditartrate also increased APP synthesis, including an increase in mRNA and holoprotein levels, as well as an increase in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Compositions and methods are disclosed of regulating APP overexpression and mediating reactive astrogliosis through cAMP signaling or the activation of .beta.-adrenergic receptors.

Abstract: Stimulating non-amyloidogenic processing by the activation of cell surface serotonin receptors linked to phospholipase and protein kinase C is described. Activation of the cell surface serotonin receptors is accomplished by contacting the cell with an agent which is a serotonin agonist or which increases the intrasynaptic concentration of serotonin. Also described is the activation of cell surface serotonin receptors by dexnorfenfluramine. Agents which cause the activation of cell surface serotonin receptors can be administered to an individual to stimulate non-amyloidogenic processing in the brain of the individual, thereby inhibiting the deposition of amyloid in the brain of the individual.

Abstract: Methods of reducing post-prandial fluctuations in plasma levels of large, neutral amino acids (LNAA), as well as compositions useful in that method. The compositions comprise a carbohydrate to protein ratio of from about 3:1 to about 10:1 and, in a specific embodiment, a ratio of 7:1, which results in minimizing the variability in responses which individuals exhibit to drugs which are LNAA.

Abstract: Methods of inducing sleepiness and sleep in an individual by administering to that individual a single dose of melatonin sufficient to induce sleepiness and sleep in the individual.

Abstract: An antemortem diagnostic test for neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease, is disclosed. The method of the invention involves the collection of a sample of bodily fluid; the analysis of the concentration of neuronal membrane phospholipids and phospholipid metabolites, or the ratio of a phospholipid to its metabolite, in the sample; and the correlation of the concentration or the ratio to the corresponding value from control samples. The method can be used to determine the presence or the possibility that an individual can develop a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease; to follow the course of neurodegenerative disease in an individual; and to validate the efficacy of a drug used to treat a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of losing weight are described in which an individual's daily caloric intake is limited to about 1600 calories or less, where the calories are provided by at least some form of carbohydrate intake and at least some form of protein intake, provided that about 40 percent or more of the protein intake is consumed at breakfast. The relative amounts of carbohydrate and protein ideally suited for each meal of the weight loss plan are described. Food packages include meals for at least one breakfast composition, at least one lunch or dinner composition, and at least one snack composition and, optionally may include, a traditional meal of a prescribed range of caloric and nutritional content to be consumed either at lunch or dinner.

Abstract: An antemortem diagnostic test for neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease, involves the collection of a sample of bodily fluid; the analysis of the concentration of neuronal membrane phospholipids and phospholipid metabolites, or the ratio of a phospholipid to its metabolite, in the sample; and the correlation of the concentration or the ratio to the corresponding value from control samples. The method can be used to determine the presence or the possibility that an individual can develop a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease; to follow the course of neurodegenerative disease in an individual; and to validate the efficacy of a drug used to treat a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Methods of inducing sleepiness and sleep in an individual by administering to that individual a single dose of melatonin sufficient to induce sleepiness and sleep in the individual.

Abstract: Methods of reducing post-prandial fluctuations in plasma levels of large, neutral amino acids (LNAA), as well as compositions useful in that method. The foods and compositions comprise a carbohydrate to protein ratio of from about 3:1 to about 8:1 and, in a specific embodiment, a ratio of 7:1, which results in minimizing the variability in responses individuals exhibit to drugs which are LNAA.

Abstract: A method of treating disturbances of appetite, disturbances of mood, or both, associated with premenstrual syndrome. The method involves administering to the afflicted woman an effective quantity of a serotoninergic drug, such as d-fenfluramine, d,l-fenfluramine fluoxetine or fluvoxamine.

Abstract: Methods of reducing post-prandial fluctuations in plasma levels of large, neutral amino acids (LNAA), as well as compositions useful in that method. The foods and compositions comprise a carbohydrate to protein ratio of from about 3:1 to about 6:1 and, in a specific embodiment, a ratio of 4:1, which results in minimizing the variability in responses individuals exhibit to drugs which are LNAA.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of disturbances of appetite, disturbances of mood, or both, nicotine withdrawl associated as well as experienced by individuals after discontinuing tobacco use as methods of use therefor. The compositions include serotoninergic drugs, such as d-fenfluramine and fluoxetine.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of inadequate neuronal dopamine release, as well as methods of use therefor. The compositions include drugs, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which result in enhanced release of dopamine and tyrosine or a tyrosine precursor.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing performance, e.g., improving subjective vigor, decreasing fatigue, diminishing subjective confusion, and decreasing tension and anxiety. The composition comprises an indirect-acting sympathomimetic drug and tyrosine or a tyrosine precursor. The drug may be phenylpropanolamine, amphetamine, or ephedrine. The tyrosine enhances the known performance-enhancing activity of the drug.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of neurological degenerative disorders which are characterized by reduced levels of acetylchone from neurons, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions include pyritinol or a pyritinol derivative, analogue or metabolite, and choline or a source of choline.

Abstract: A composition for decreasing appetite comprising an indirect-acting sympathomimetic drug and tyrosine or a tyrosine precursor. The drug may be phenylpropanolamine, amphetamine, or ephedrine. The tyrosine enhances the known appetite-suppressing activity of the drug.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of disturbances of appetite, disturbances of mood, or both, nicotine withdrawal associated as well as experienced by individuals after discontinuing tobacco use as methods of use therefor. The compositions include serotoninergic drugs, such as d-fenfluramine and fluoxetine.