1. An interchangeable wheel cover for a wheel of a piece of luggage, comprising:
a) a center cap assembly; and
b) a trim ring assembly;
wherein said center cap assembly interchangeable affixes said trim ring assembly to the wheel of the piece of luggage.
2. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein said center cap assembly comprises a hubcap.
3. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly has snap clips;
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially therefrom; and
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly face towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
4. The wheel cover of claim 3, wherein said center cap assembly comprises a ring.
5. The wheel cover of claim 4, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly sits in said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly rests concentrically on said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly is outboard of said ring of said center cap assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said ring of said center cap assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
6. The wheel cover of claim 4, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a first ring.
7. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly has said ring of said center cap assembly sitting concentrically therein;
wherein said ring of said center cap assembly is sandwiched between said first ring of said trim ring assembly and said hubcap of said center cap assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said first ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
8. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a second ring.
9. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly sits concentrically in said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly is inboard of said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially through said second ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend towards the wheel of the piece of luggage.
10. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said trim ring assembly comprises a base ring.
11. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has said second ring of said trim ring assembly sitting concentrically therein;
wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly is sandwiched between said base ring of said trim ring assembly and said first ring of said trim ring assembly;
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly extend axially into said base ring of said trim ring assembly; and
wherein said snap clips of said hubcap of said center cap assembly replaceably engage in said base ring of said trim ring assembly, to thereby capture said ring of said center cap assembly, said first ring of said trim ring assembly, and said second ring of said trim ring assembly between said hubcap of said center cap assembly and said base ring of said trim ring assembly, to thereby form said interchangeable wheel cover.
12. The wheel cover of claim 11, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly has snap clips extending axially therefrom;
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly face towards the wheel of the piece of luggage; and
wherein said snap clips of said wheel-facing surface of said base ring of said trim ring assembly replaceably engage the wheel of the piece of luggage, to thereby replaceably attach said interchangeable wheel cover to the wheel of the piece of luggage.
13. The wheel cover of claim 8, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly has a periphery;
wherein said periphery of said first ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said periphery of said first ring of said trim ring assembly bends towards itself so as to form a peripheral cuff; and
wherein said peripheral cuff of said wheel-facing surface of said first ring of said trim ring assembly captures said second ring of said trim ring assembly against said first ring of said trim ring assembly so as to allow said second ring of said trim ring assembly to function as a rigid core for said first ring of said trim ring assembly.
14. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said second ring of said trim ring assembly has a wheel-facing surface;
wherein said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly has pins;
wherein said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly extend axially therefrom; and
wherein said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly face towards said base ring of said trim ring assembly.
15. The wheel cover of claim 14, wherein said base ring of said trim ring assembly has through bores; and
wherein said through bores of said base ring of said trim ring assembly receive said pins of said wheel-facing surface of said second ring of said trim ring assembly, respectively, to prevent rotation of said second ring of said trim ring assembly relative to said base ring of said trim ring assembly.
16. The wheel cover of claim 3, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a hub;
wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a rim;
wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises spokes; and
wherein the spokes of the wheel of the piece of luggage extend radially outwardly from the hub of the wheel of the piece of luggage to the rim of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
17. The wheel cover of claim 16, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises a pair of bearings; and
wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage sit in the hub of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
18. The wheel cover of claim 17, wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage are one of pin bearings and roller bearings.
19. The wheel cover of claim 17, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage comprises an axle; and
wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage extends into the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage and into the piece of luggage.
20. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage has a widened head; and
wherein the widened head of the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage is captured between an innermost bearing of the wheel of the piece of luggage and said wheel-facing surface of said hubcap of said center cap assembly, to thereby prevent the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage from passing completely through the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
21. The wheel cover of claim 10, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly, said ring of said center cap assembly, said second ring of said trim ring assembly, and said base ring of said trim ring assembly are made from ABS plastic so as to be rigid.
22. The wheel cover of claim 6, wherein said first ring of said trim ring assembly is made from leather so as to be flexible.
23. The wheel cover of claim 1, wherein the wheel of the piece of luggage is made from polyurethane so as to be rigid.
24. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage is made from steel so as to be rigid.
25. The wheel cover of claim 19, wherein the pair of bearings of the wheel of the piece of luggage are made from carbon steel so as to minimize frictional damage to the axle of the wheel of the piece of luggage.
26. The wheel cover of claim 2, wherein said hubcap of said center cap assembly is disk-shaped.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A compound of the formula (I)
wherein
X is
Y is H or NR12R13;
Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014 or \u2014SO2\u2014;
n is, independently for each occurrence. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8;
R1 and R3 each is, independently, H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
R2 and R4 each is, independently,
R5 is H, (C1-C6)alkyl, (C2-C6)alkenyl, (C2-C6)alkynyl, substituted (C1-C6)alkyl, substituted (C2-C6)alkenyl, substituted (C2-C6)alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkylarylalkyl or arylalkylaryl;
R8 and R9 each is, independently, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl;
R6, R7, R10, R11, R12 and R13 each is, independently, H, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl; and
Q is H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
provided that both R2 and R4 are not
in said compound;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein at least one of R2 and R4 is
3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
4. A compound according to claim 3, wherein Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014.
5. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
6. A compound of claim 5, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
7. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
8. A compound according to claim 7 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
9. A compound according to claim 4, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;
wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
10. A compound of claim 9 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
11. A compound according to claim 3, wherein Z is \u2014SO2\u2014.
12. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
13. A compound of claim 12, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
14. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
15. A compound according to claim 14 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
16. A compound according to claim 11, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;
wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
17. A compound of claim 16 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
18. A compound of claim 3 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
19. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
or
20-33. (canceled)
34. A compound of claim 19 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
35. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
36-50. (canceled)
51. A compound of claim 36 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
52. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
53-66. (canceled)
67. A compound of claim 52 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
68. A compound according to claim 2, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
69. A compound according to claim 68 wherein Q is H.
70-83. (canceled)
84. A compound of claim 69 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
85. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
or
86-99. (canceled)
100. A compound of claim 85 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
101. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
or
and
R4 is
102. A compound according to claim 101 wherein Q is H.
103-116. (canceled)
117. A compound of claim 102 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
118. A compound according to claim 1, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
or
119. A compound according to claim 101 wherein Q is H.
120-133. (canceled)
134. A compound of claim 119 selected from the group consisting of:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
135. A compound according to claim 1, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
136. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 135.
137. The composition of claim 136, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
138. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
139. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 138.
140. The composition of claim 139, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
141. A compound according to claim 138, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
142. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 141.
143. The composition of claim 142, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
144. A compound according to claim 141, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
145. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 144.
146. The composition of claim 145, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
147. A compound according to claim 144, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
148. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 147.
149. The composition of claim 148, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
150. A compound according to claim 147, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
151. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 150.
152. The composition of claim 151, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
153. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
154. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 153.
155. The composition of claim 154, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
156. A compound according to claim 135, wherein said compound is according to the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
157. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 156.
158. The composition of claim 157, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
159. A method of determining a compound’s ability to bind to a GHS receptor, said method comprising the step of measuring the ability of a compound to effect binding of a compound according to claim 1 to said receptor, to a fragment of said receptor, to a polypeptide comprising said fragment of said receptor or to a derivative of said polypeptide.
160. A method of screening for a ghrelin agonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a competition experiment with test compounds.
161. A method of screening for a ghrelin antagonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to produce GHS receptor activity and then measuring the ability of a test compound to alter GHS receptor activity.
162. A method for achieving a beneficial effect in a subject, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is effective for producing a beneficial effect in helping to treat or helping to prevent a disease of disorder.
163. A method for stimulating growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such stimulation, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable increase in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
164. A method according to claim 163 wherein said stimulation of growth hormone secretion is indicated for treatment of a growth hormone deficient state, for increasing muscle mass, for increasing bone density, for sexual dysfunction in males or females, for facilitating a weight gain, for facilitating maintenance of weight, for facilitating maintenance of physical functioning, for facilitating recovery of physical function, andor facilitating appetite increase.
165. A method according to claim 164 wherein said facilitating weight gain, facilitating maintenance in weight, andor facilitating appetite increase is indicated in a patient having a disease or disorder, or under going a treatment, accompanied by weight loss.
166. A method according to claim 165 wherein said diseases or disorders accompanied by weight loss include anorexia, bulimia, cancer cachexia, AIDS, AIDS wasting, cachexia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal failure and wasting in frail elderly.
167. A method according to claim 165 wherein said treatments accompanied by weight loss include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, temporary or permanent immobilization, and dialysis.
168. A method for suppressing growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such suppression, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
169. A method according to claim 168 wherein said suppression of growth hormone secretion is indicated for the treatment of a disease or condition characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion, for facilitation of weight loss, for facilitation of appetite decrease, for facilitation of weight maintenance, for treating obesity, for preventing andor treating diabetes, for treating complications of diabetes including retinopathy, andor for treating cardiovascular disorders.
170. A method according to claim 169 wherein said excessive weight is a contributing factor to a disease or condition including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, gall stones, osteoarthritis, Prader-Willi Syndrome and cancer.
171. A method according to claim 170 wherein said facilitation of weight loss reduces the likelihood of such diseases or conditions.
172. A method according to claim 170 wherein said facilitation of weight loss comprises at least part of a treatment for such diseases or conditions.
173. A method of eliciting a ghrelin agonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
174. A method of eliciting a ghrelin antagonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
175. A method of promoting gastrointestinal motility in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to facility gastrointestinal motility, and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
176. A method according to claim 175, wherein said decreased gastrointestinal motility is found in a subject suffering from post-operative ileus or gastroparesis.
177. A method according to claim 176, wherein said gastroparesis is incidental to the onset of diabetes or is brought about by a chronic diabetic state.
178. A compound of the formula (II)
wherein
X is
Y is H or NR12R13;
Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014 or \u2014SO2\u2014;
n is, independently for each occurrence. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8;
R1 and R3 each is, independently, H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
R2 and R4 each is, independently,
R5 is H or (C1-C6)alkylhalo, R8 and R9 each is, independently, (C1-C6)alkyl or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl;
R6, R7, R10 and R11 each is, independently, H, (C1-C6)alkyl, or substituted (C1-C6)alkyl; and
Q is H or (C1-C4)alkyl;
provided that both R2 and R4 are not
in said compound;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
179. A compound according to claim 178, wherein
R2 is
and
R4 is
180. A compound according to claim 179, wherein Q is H.
181. A compound according to claim 180, wherein Z is \u2014C(O)\u2014.
182. A compound according to claim 181, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
183. A compound of claim 182, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
184. A compound according to claim 182, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
185. A compound according to claim 184 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
186. A compound according to claim 181, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;
wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
187. A compound of claim 186 wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
188. A compound according to claim 180, wherein Z is \u2014SO2\u2014.
189. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
R6 and R7 each is, independently, H; and
R8 and R9 each is, independently, CH3.
190. A compound of claim 189, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
191. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
and
Y is H.
192. A compound according to claim 191, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
193. A compound according to claim 188, wherein
X is
and
Y is NR12R13;
wherein both R12 and R13 are each H.
194. A compound of claim 193, wherein
R1 is H;
R3 is H or methyl; and
R5 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or t-butyl.
195. A compound of claim 178 of the formula:
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
196. A pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of claim 195.
197. The composition of claim 196 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
198. A method of determining a compound’s ability to bind to a GHS receptor, said method comprising the step of measuring the ability of a compound to effect binding of a compound according to claim 178 to said receptor, to a fragment of said receptor, to a polypeptide comprising said fragment of said receptor or to a derivative of said polypeptide.
199. A method of screening for a ghrelin agonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a competition experiment with test compounds.
200. A method of screening for a ghrelin antagonist said method comprising the step of using a compound according to claim 178 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to produce GHS receptor activity and then measuring the ability of a test compound to alter GHS receptor activity.
201. A method for achieving a beneficial effect in a subject, said method comprising the step of administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is effective for producing a beneficial effect in helping to treat or helping to prevent a disease of disorder.
202. A method for stimulating growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such stimulation, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable increase in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
203. A method according to claim 200 wherein said stimulation of growth hormone secretion is indicated for treatment of a growth hormone deficient state, for increasing muscle mass, for increasing bone density, for sexual dysfunction in males or females, for facilitating a weight gain, for facilitating maintenance of weight, for facilitating maintenance of physical functioning, for facilitating recovery of physical function, andor facilitating appetite increase.
204. A method according to claim 201 wherein said facilitating weight gain, facilitating maintenance in weight, andor facilitating appetite increase is indicated in a patient having a disease or disorder, or under going a treatment; accompanied by weight loss.
205. A method according to claim 204 wherein said diseases or disorders accompanied by weight loss include anorexia, bulimia, cancer cachexia, AIDS, AIDS wasting, cachexia, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic renal failure and wasting in frail elderly.
206. A method according to claim 202 wherein said treatments accompanied by weight loss include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, temporary or permanent immobilization, and dialysis.
207. A method for suppressing growth hormone secretion in a subject in need of such suppression, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
208. A method according to claim 207 wherein said suppression of growth hormone secretion is indicated for the treatment of a disease or condition characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion, for facilitation of weight loss, for facilitation of appetite decrease, for facilitation of weight maintenance, for treating obesity, for treating diabetes, for treating complications of diabetes including retinopathy, andor for treating cardiovascular disorders.
209. A method according to claim 208 wherein said excessive weight is a contributing factor to a disease or condition including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, gall stones, osteoarthritis, Prader-Willi Syndrome and cancer.
210. A method according to claim 209 wherein said facilitation of weight loss reduces the likelihood of such diseases or conditions.
211. A method according to claim 209 wherein said facilitation of weight loss comprises at least part of a treatment for such diseases or conditions.
212. A method of eliciting a ghrelin agonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin agonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
213. A method of eliciting a ghrelin antagonist effect in a subject, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to produce a detectable decrease in growth hormone secretion and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
214. A method of promoting gastrointestinal motility in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to a subject an effective amount of a ghrelin antagonist according to claim 178, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein said effective amount is at least an amount sufficient to facility gastrointestinal motility, and, preferably, is an amount sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in a patient.
215. A method according to claim 214 wherein said decreased gastrointestinal motility is found in a subject suffering from post-operative ileus or gastroparesis.
216. A method according to claim 215, wherein said gastroparesis is incidental to the onset of diabetes or is brought about by a chronic diabetic state.