Corticotropin-releasing factor-binding-protein inhibitors and their use

摘要

Levels of free corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the brain are increased by administration to a patient of a ligand inhibitor of a CRF/CRF-binding protein complex. The ligand inhibitor binds to CRF-binding protein causing the release of CRF. The ligand inhibitor may be a peptide derived from CRF or a related protein or a non-peptide. Administration of the ligand inhibitor may provide improvement in learning and memory, resulting in decreased food intake or provide treatment for diseases associated with low levels of CRF in the brain, notably Alzheimer's disease. A method is also provided for screening compounds to select particularly effective CRF antagonists for in vivo administration to mammals.