Abstract: The present invention relates to a family of peptides encoding antagonists of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) designed to distinguish multiple receptors that mediate VIP neurotransmission, neurotrophism and cell division. The invention also relates to methods of using these peptides to antagonize VIP-associated activity and function. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions dsigned to inhibit VIP-associated activity.

Abstract: A chemically synthesized 15 amino acid peptide designated peptide 1-69, which has the sequence of amino acids numbers 308 to 322 (RIQRGPGRAFVTIGK) of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) IIIB env-coded protein, was used to immunize animals. Peptide 1-69 elicited in immunized animals antibodies that block HIV proliferation and block HIV-induced cell fusion in cell culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the treatment of the complications and pathology of diabetes. The method involves the administration to a diabetic subject of a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of (.beta.-Ala-His).sub.n, (Lys-His).sub.n, a compound of the formula R.sub.1 -X-R.sub.2, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and combinations thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, in which n is 2-5, R.sub.1 is one or two naturally occurring amino acids, optionally alpha-amino acetylated with alkyl or aralkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is 1 or 2 naturally occurring amino acids, optionally alpha-carboxyl esterified or amidated with alkyl or aralkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms and X is R.sub.3 -L or D-His (R.sub.4)-R.sub.5 where R.sub.3 is void or .omega.-aminoacyl with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R.sub.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## or the amides, esters or salts thereof, wherein: L is an electron withdrawing leaving group;S.sup.x is S.dbd.O, O.dbd.S.dbd.O, S.dbd.NH, HN.dbd.S.dbd.O, Se.dbd.O, O.dbd.Se.dbd.O, Se.dbd.NH, HN.dbd.Se.dbd.O, S.sup.+ R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.4 is alkyl (1-6C), or O--C.dbd.O or HN--C.dbd.O;each R of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is independently H or a noninterfering substituent;n is 0, 1 or 2;Y is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## wherein m is 1 or 2; and AA.sub.C is an amino acid linked through a peptide bond to the remainder of said compound of formula 1, are disclosed.These compounds are useful prodrugs for selective treatment of target tissues which contain compatible glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes, and simultaneously elevate the levels of GM progenitor cells in bone marrow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel of HIV peptides useful in diagnosing whether or not a patient is of vertical HIV transmission status, methods for diagnosing same, methods for identifying epitopes and peptides associated with non-transmission status, and pharmaceutical and vaccine compositions containing same.

Abstract: The invention is a simple and rapid method for immune complex dissociation and destruction of rheumatoid factors. It permits the quantitative measurement of the total, i.e., free and immune complex-bound, antigen contained in a test sample. The method involves heating the test sample to a point sufficiently above 65.degree. C. at which the antigen-binding function of antibodies is destroyed. As a consequence, interference by rheumatoid factors is eliminated and the antigen is released from immune complexes, after which it can be measured in an antigen assay that recognizes the heat-denatured antigen.

Abstract: The present invention features isolated DNA encoding allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In particular, the invention provides DNA encoding the major D, farinae allergens, Der f I and Der f II and DNA encoding the major D. pteronyssinus allergens, Der p I and Der p II. The present invention further relates to proteins and peptides encoded by the isolated D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus DNA, including proteins containing sequence polymorphisms. In addition, the proteins or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use a diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inbibitors of the multicatalytic protease enzyme which are represented by the general formula: ##STR1## Constituent members and preferred constituent members are disclosed herein. Methodologies for making and using the disclosed compounds are also set forth herein.

Abstract: There is provided metal-peptide compositions for use as stimulating agents for hair growth in warm-blooded animals. Methods for stimulating the growth of hair in warm-blooded animals are also disclosed. The methods utilize a stimulating effective amount of the metal-peptide composition or a pharmaceutical preparation containing the metal-peptide composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to new purified antigens of the LAV virus. They have molecular weights of about 135,000 and 150,000 daltons. They are useful for the detection of LAV antibodies in human sera. They are produced by hybrid cell-lines resulting from the fusion of T4 lymphocytes and cells of the MOLT-4 cell line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide that is non-toxic in E. coli. The disclosed polypeptide comprises at least one antigenic sequence present in P.IA of N. gonorrhoeae and at least one antigenic sequence present in P.IB of N. gonorrhoeae. Further, the disclosed polypeptide of the invention is fused to a carrier peptide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various parenteral pharmaceutical formulations, which comprise a mixture of a monomeric insulin analog and insulin-NPH. The analog formulations provide a rapid onset and a prolonged duration of action.

Abstract: The invention provides effective analogs of the active GLP-1 peptides, 7-34, 7-35, 7-36, and 7-37, which have improved characteristics for treatment of diabetes Type II. These analogs have amino acid substitutions at positions 7-10 and/or are truncated at the C-terminus and/or contain various other amino acid substitutions in the basic peptide. The analogs may either have an enhanced capacity to stimulate insulin production as compared to glucagon or may exhibit enhanced stability in plasma as compared to GLP-1 (7-37) or both. Either of these properties will enhance the potency of the analog as a therapeutic. Analogs having D-amino acid substitutions in the 7 and 8 positions and/or N-alkylated or N-acylated amino acids in the 7 position are particularly resistant to degradation in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed are substantially pure plasmilar polypeptide and antibodies which bind plasmilar.

Abstract: Optically pure .alpha.-ketoamide compounds, and use therefor in treating neurodegenerative pathologies having enhanced Calpain activity, are disclosed. These compounds comprise optically pure .alpha.-ketoamides, and physiologically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the .alpha.-ketoamide contains an amino acid isomer which has an L-configuration about the chiral center which is structurally located in the .alpha. position to the ketone of the .alpha.-ketoamide, and wherein the amide functionality of the .alpha.-ketoamide portion of the compound's molecule is derived from an amine of an amino acid or an amine substituted with a sulfone functionality. The method of treating a human neurodegenerative pathology, having enhanced Calpain activity, with a Calpain inhibitor composition while reducing undesirable inhibition of other cysteine proteases and other side effects associated with the racemic calpain inhibitor composition includes administering an optically pure L-isomer of an .alpha.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation for the therapy of immune deficiency conditions comprising an active principle--a peptide of the structure: H-L-Glu-L-Trp-OH and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Peptide-copper complexes are disclosed which stimulate the growth of hair on warm-blooded animals. In one aspect of this invention, the peptide-copper complexes are dipeptides or tripeptides chelated to copper at a molar ratio ranging from about 1:1 to 3:1, with the second position of the peptide from the amino terminus being histidine, arginine or a derivative thereof. The peptide-copper complexes may be formulated for administration by, for example, topical application or injection. Any affliction associate with hair loss, including hair loss associated with both androgenetic and secondary alopecia, may be treated with the peptide-copper complexes of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides ligand/anti-ligand assays for detecting and/or measuring adherent proteins, including lipophilic serum or plasma proteins, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and apolipoprotein Al (apoAl); cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha; pentraxins, such as CRP; and globular serum or plasma proteins such as albumin.

Abstract: A kit for carrying out an immunoenzymological assay for protein, containing a diagnostic reagent consisting of a hybrid protein comprising, in order, a polypeptide P1 which is an N-terminal portion of mature alkaline phosphatase comprising from 6 to 28 of the N-terminal amino acids of said mature alkaline phosphatase, joined to a polypeptide P2, capable of interacting with an antibody or antigen joined to a polypeptide P3 which is selected from the group consisting of a) the C-terminal remaining amino acids of said mature alkaline phosphatase, b) the mature sequence of alkaline phosphatase, and c) enzymatically active fragments of b).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting analytes in samples of whole blood using solid-phase, permeable support assay devices. The whole blood assays require no steps or reagents other than those necessary to carry out the same analysis on plasma or serum using the devices. The color visualization of the analytical field on which the interpretation of the assay depends is not affected by the presence of intact erythrocytes or any degree of hemolysis in the blood sample.