METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING AND USING AMYLOID-INHIBITORY COMPOUNDS

摘要

The present invention relates to identification of agents that play a role in regulating brain amyloid- beta (A beta ) levels in vivo . The invention provides compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat amyloidogenic conditions. It also provides a useful animal model for screening for and evaluating candidate amyloid inhibiting or therapeutic compounds. In particular, ovariectomy (ovx) and estrogen replacement were found to affect brain A beta levels in guinea pigs. Long-term ovx of guinea pigs resulted in increased levels of total brain A beta , as compared to intact animals, and the A beta 42/A beta 40 ratio was also elevated. Treatment of ovx guinea pigs with beta 17-estradiol for ten days partially reversed the ovx-associated increase in brain A beta levels.