TREATMENTS FOR NEUROTOXICITY IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE BY beta -AMYLOID PEPTIDES

摘要

The invention involves identification of a mechanism of beta -amyloid peptide cytotoxicity, which enables treatment of conditions caused by beta -amyloid peptide aggregates by administration of compounds which antagonize the mechanism of cytoxicity. The invention includes the identification and isolation of compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of beta -amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates. The compounds include isolated peptides which were selected for their ability to form a complex with a beta -amyloid peptide, or are derived from peptides so selected. Methods for treating conditions resulting from neurotoxic beta -amyloid peptide aggregates and pharmaceutical preparations are provided. Also provided are methods for selecting additional compounds which can antagonize the aggregation of beta -amyloid peptides and the neurotoxic effects of such aggregates.