| abstract |
The invention relates to rapid methods for determining formation of Abeta amyloid and screening compounds which inhibit formation of Abeta amyloid in vitro, as well as kits for carrying out the present methods. Such an agent used in vivo may prevent, ameliorate or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Abeta 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 Abeta amyloid by a heavy metal cation capable of binding to a polypeptide comprising at least amino acids 6 to 28 of Abeta, such as zinc to form amyloid and determination of formation of tinctorial Abeta amyloid. Moreover, a method of determining effectiveness of a candidate anti-amyloidotic agent for prevention or treatment of Abeta amyloidosis is described which uses cell cultures which express at least a human Abeta peptide. |