Patent ID: 7476508
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: A61P,C07K

Abstract:
1. A method of screening for a substance for improving memory, a substance for improving learning ability, and/or a substance for treating dementia, comprising the steps of: (a) in the presence of pregnenolone sulfate, bringing a test substance into contact with a screening tool, wherein said screening tool exhibits calcium ion-permeable ion channel activity upon activation with the pregnenolone sulfate and comprises at least one of: (b) measuring the calcium ion-permeable ion channel activity of said screening tool following contact with the test substance, (c) comparing the pregnenolone sulfate-mediated activation of the calcium ion-permeable channel activity of the screening tool obtained in the presence of the test substance to the pregnenolone sulfate-mediated activation of the calcium ion-permeable channel activity of the screening tool obtained in the absence of the test substance, and (d) selecting a test substance that enhances the pregnenolone sulfate-mediated calcium ion-permeable ion channel activity of the screening tool and thereby identifying a substance for improving memory, a substance for improving learning ability, and/or a substance for treating dementia.