Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assaying for and arresting, preventing and/or reversing the impairment of central and peripheral nervous system function comprising reducing &bgr;-amyloid plaque burden by the administration of compounds that reduce apoE expression. The compounds used in the method of the invention may be: 1) inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase; 2) inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis; 3) inhibitors of protein isoprenylation, specifically geranylgeranylation; and/or 4) inhibitors of NF-&kgr;B activation or function. Assays for compounds with inhibit apoE expression from microglial cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel human brain Na.sup.+ -dependent inorganic phosphate cotransporter, designated the hBNPI protein. This invention also encompasses nucleic acids encoding this protein, or a fragment thereof, as well as methods employing this protein and the nucleic acid compounds.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel human brain Na.sup.+ -dependent inorganic phosphate cotransporter, designated the hBNPI protein. This invention also encompasses nucleic acids encoding this protein, or a fragment thereof, as well as methods employing this protein and the nucleic acid compounds.

Abstract: This invention describes a novel human brain Na.sup.+ -dependent inorganic phosphate cotransporter, designated the hBNPI protein. This invention also encompasses nucleic acids encoding this protein, or a fragment thereof, as well as methods employing this protein and the nucleic acid compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is an ergogenic, anabolic mineral formula for use as a nutritional supplement, weight loss formula and cholesterol lowering agent. The formula comprises 500 mcg. of vanadyl sulfate, 100 mcg. of chromium picolinate, 100 mcg. of chromium nicotinate glycinate, and 25 mg. of niacin. The vanadyl sulfate and chromium components are used primarily to mimic and enhance the effects of insulin. The niacin component is included to cause blood vessels to dilate and to reduce cholesterol levels and thus improve the efficiency of chromium and carbohydrate utilization.

Abstract: A rapid and sensitive radioreceptor assay for measuring benzodiazepines in plasma and other biological specimens is described. This method is based on the competition between [.sup.3 H] diazepam or tritiated flunitrazepam and pharmacologically active benzodiazepines present in plasma, for binding sites on rat brain synaptosomal membranes. No interference is obtained with drug-free plasma or plasma samples containing high concentrations of other commonly used drugs. High correlations (r=0.98; p<0.001) were obtained between the "diazepam equivalents" measured in plasma using the radioreceptor assay and the levels of diazepam and N-demethyl diazepam obtained by gas-liquid chromatography. The radioreceptor assay is rapid, sensitive, specific, and requires no sophisticated equipment or methodology. It should therefore prove useful in monitoring blood benzodiazepine levels for both therapeutic and toxicologic purposes.