AN IN VITRO SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING FORMATION OF A beta AMYLOID

摘要

The invention relates to rapid methods for determining formation of A beta amyloid and screening compounds which inhibit formation of A beta amyloid in vitro, as well as kits for carrying out the presesnt methods. Such an agent used in vivo may prevent, ameliorate or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and A beta amyloidotic disorders related to Alzheimer's disease, Down's syndrome, and Guamanian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Parkinson's dementia complex. The process described in this invention involves the rapid induction of A beta amyloid by a heavy metal cation capable of binding to a polypeptide comprising at least amino acids 6 to 28 of A beta , such as zinc to form amyloid and determination of formation of tinctorial A beta amyloid. Moreover, a method of determining effectiveness of a candidate anti-amyloidotic agent for prevention or treatment A beta amyloidosis is described which uses cells cultures which express at least a human A beta peptide.