Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for determining or diagnosing infertility of a male subject comprising the steps of (a) contacting a sperm sample obtained from said subject with a calcium-free test solution, (b) detecting the motility of the sperm in said sample under the test condition of step (a), and (c) determining infertility of the male subject based on the motility detected in step (b). Further, the present invention relates to a kit for use in a method for determining or diagnosing infertility of a male subject comprising (a) a calcium-free test solution, and (b) a calcium-containing control solution.

Abstract: Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to formula I pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, a process for preparing them, and the use of such compounds to treat or inhibit pain and other disorders or disease states.

Abstract: Substituted amide compounds corresponding to formula I: processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use of substituted amide derivatives for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of pain and various other conditions.

Abstract: Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to formula I pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, a process for preparing them, and the use of such compounds to treat or inhibit pain and other disorders or disease states.

Abstract: Substituted amide compounds corresponding to formula I: processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and the use of substituted amide derivatives for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of pain and various other conditions.

Abstract: A method for identifying the agonistic activity of a target compound on a potassium channel by a) providing a population of cells expressing a potassium channel and, optionally providing, a protein-based fluorescent-optical voltage sensor, b) if necessary, incubating the cells with a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye, c) adding the target compound to the reaction batch of a) or b), d) determining a value F1 of the fluorescence intensity of the cells, e) adding potassium ions in a physiologically acceptable concentration f) determining a value F2 of the fluorescence intensity of the cells, and g) comparing the fluorescence intensity F2 with the fluorescence intensity F1 and determining the agonistic activity of the target compound on a potassium channel therefrom. A potassium channel agonist isolated and purified by this method, pharmaceutical formulations containing the same, and their use for the treatment of a disease in which potassium channels are involved.