Abstract: A non human transgenic animal able to express ubiquitarily an anti-NGF neutralizing antibody wherein said anti-body is composed by an endogenous VH chain and by an exogenous VK chain; uses as an animal model to identify compounds with therapeutic activity, in particular for neurodegenerative pathologies. Method for the early prognosis and/or diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases comprising the drawing of a peripheral biological fluid from a patient and the detection in said fluid of antibodies anti-NGF, or anti-TrkA or antibodies against proteins linked to NGF activity.

Abstract: A non-human transgenic animal that is transgenic for an antibody or fragments thereof and having a phenotype reminiscent of human pathology. The human pathology includes neurodegenerative syndromes, muscular atrophy/dystrophy and immune disorders. The animals may be used in a method for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. The method includes monitoring the occurrence of the tau hyperphosphorylation and/or amyloid deposition in the back or lower limb skeletal muscle sample of a subject. Cells are derivable from the non-human transgenic animal and secreting the transgenic antibody. The cells are used for the selection of molecules pharmacologically effective in neurodegenerative and/or muscular pathologies and/or immune disorders.