Abstract: A method of reducing aluminum concentrations in the central nervous system of a subject (e.g., a patient afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease) comprises administering to subject a PYY receptor agonist in an amount effective to reduce aluminum concentrations, levels or amounts in the central nervous system of the subject. Compositions useful for carrying out the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for administering Peptide YY (PYY) receptor agonists to birds in ovo to promote altricial development of the intestinal tract of neonatal birds. Enhanced altricial development of the small intestine in hatchling birds results in an increased absorption of nutrients from the small intestine without a concomitant increase in energy expenditure, thereby resulting in an improved efficiency of nutrient utilization, enhanced rate of post-hatch growth, and reduced post-hatch mortality rate in PYY-treated birds.

Abstract: Methods using Peptide YY (PYY) receptor agonists to increase absorption of nutrients from the intestine without a concomitant increase in intestinal energy expenditure. Methods using Peptide YY (PYY) antagonists to decrease absorption of nutrients from the intestine. Pharmaceutical formulations comprising PYY receptor agonists, such as the PYY peptide and analogs thereof, and pharmaceutical formulation comprising PYY antagonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of parasympathomimetic compounds, their precursors, salts and metabolites, to alter the digestive process in livestock so as to increase the efficiency of food utilization while simultaneously reducing the risk of certain disorders frequently associated with high energy diets. Specifically, the invention comprises administration to ruminants and other livestock of low level dosages of a parasympathomimetic compound to increase salivation during feeding and rumination, thereby increasing rumen digesta turnover rates and efficiency of food utilization while reducing the risk of certain digestive tract disorders such as acidosis and displaced abomasum.

Abstract: A method of maintaining ruminants on a relatively high energy, low fiber diet comprising the step of administering a controlled dosage of a parasympathomimetic compound, particularly slaframine, to the ruminants at or about the time of feeding, whereby saliva flow and rumen digesta turnover rates are beneficially increased and the risks of certain digestive tract disorders are decreased.

Abstract: A method of promoting the release of growth hormones in an animal comprised of administering a low level dosage of slaframine or a chemical compound which releases the 1-keto-6-aminooctahydroindolizine.