Abstract: The present invention reveals the isolation, purification and characterization from the creosote bush Larrea tridentata of compounds of the structural formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each selected from the group consisting of HO—, CH3O— and CH3(C═O)O—, provided that R1, R2, R3 and R4 are not each HO—0 simultaneously. Each compound is a derivative of 1,4-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutane (nordihydroquaiaretic acid, NDGA). In addition, NDGA and each derivative can be used in a method to suppress Tat transactivation of a lentivirus, including the HIV virus, in a cell by administering NDGA or a derivative of NDGA to the cell.

Abstract: This invention herein describes a method of facilitating the entry of drugs into cells and tissues at pharmokinetically useful levels and also a method of targeting drugs to specific organelles within the cell. This polar lipid/drug conjugate targeting invention embodies an advance over other drug targeting methods because through this method, intracellular drug concentrations may reach levels which are orders of magnitude higher than those achieved otherwise. Furthermore, it refines the drug delivery process by allowing therapeutic agents to be directed to certain intracellular structures. This technology is appropriate for use with antiproliferative, antibiotic, antimycotic, antiviral and antineoplastic drugs, in particular in combination with a multiplicity of other emollients and agents to make up topically-active substances such as salves, for rapid and efficient introduction of such agents through the epidermis for treatment of skin diseases and other disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a extracted substance from a mixture of a non-fat starch from Ricini semen and a root of coptis Sp. This substance is suitable for use in the therapeutic applications of AIDS.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic synthase of sulfate esters is disclosed in which intermediate phosphorylated adenosine compounds are recycled to minimize enzyme inhibition. Exemplary enzymes include ATP sulfurylase, APS kinase and a sulfotransferase.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F extracts in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. An alcohol extract of this plant (T2) inhibited antigen- and mitogen-stimulated proliferation of T cells and B cells, cell cycle progression, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production by T cells, immunoglobulin production by B cells and interleukin-2 mRNA production. T2 did not affect IL-2 receptor expression by T cells, IL-1 production by monocytes, the capacity of monocytes to present antigen, or signaling pathways. Inhibition could not be accounted for by nonspecific toxicity. These results support the conclusion that T2 exerts a powerful suppressive effect on human immune responses. Suppressing autoimmune disease is a most preferred embodiment of this invention.

Abstract: The use of extracts from Cryptolepis sp. or quindoline alkaloids such quindoline and cryptolepine contained therein as hypoglycemic agents, as well as methods for obtaining the hypoglycemic agents are described. According to a preferred embodiment, the extracts are derived from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. As hypoglycemic agents, the extracts or quindoline alkaloids such as quindoline or cryptolepine are useful for treating insulin-dependent (type I) and non-insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes.

Abstract: Adherent animal cells are grown in suspension in a nutrient medium in which the molar ratio of total inorganic ions and total amino acids is reduced when compared with the corresponding ratio in known nutrient media, and is maintained at a level at which little or no cell aggregation occurs. Further, the nutrient medium contains 10:1 to about 1:1 molar ratio of total inorganic ions to total amino acids. In one further embodiment, the nutrient medium contains a total sodium ion concentration in the range of 75 to 120 mM (millimole), a total chloride ion concentration in the range of 50 to 90 mM and a total amino acid content of 20 to 50 mM. The adherent animal cells include mammalian cells such as cells belonging to a human, rat, mouse or hamster. Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (CHO cells) are cultured using the process of the disclosed invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel modalities of treatment of diabetes, and other diseases caused by dysfunctional signal transduction by insulin receptor type tyrosine kinases (IR-PTK). Applicants discovered that IR-PTK activity may be modified by modulating the activity of a tyrosine phosphatase, and IR-PTK signal transduction may be triggered even in the absence of ligand. Methods for identifying compounds that, by modulating RPTP.alpha. or RPTP.epsilon. activity, elicit or modulate insulin receptor signal transduction are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a particular form of collagenase substantially free of other proteinases to increase the motility of karatinocytes.

Abstract: A proteolytic factor has been isolated from the brains of humans with Alzheimer's disease which specifically cleaves the peptide having the sequence His-Ser-Glu-Val-Lys-Met-Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe (SEQ ID NO: 1) between Met and Asp. This peptide is in the cleavage site of the N-terminal domain of the amyloid .beta.-protein precursor.

Abstract: A composition for use in immunosuppression therapy is disclosed. The composition includes an immunosuppressant drug, such as cyclosporin A, and an ethanol extract of the root xylem of Tripterygium wilfordii. The extract is effective alone, or in combination with such an immunosuppressant, in the treatment of transplantation rejection. Also disclosed is a method of immunosuppression that includes administering to a subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of an immunosuppressant drug and an extract of the type above, in an amount effective to potentiate the action of the drug.

Abstract: New A83543 components, including fermentation products A83543K, A835430, A83543P, A83543U, A83543V, A83543W and A83543Y and N-demethyl derivatives, and salts thereof, are useful for the control of insects and mites. The pseudoaglycones of the new A83543 components are useful for the preparation of A83543 components. Methods are provided for making the new A83543 components by culturing of Saccharopolyspora spinosa NRRL 18395, NRRL 18537, NRRL 18538, or NRRL 18539, or NRRL 18743 or NRRL 18719 or NRRL 18823 in suitable culture medium. Insecticidal and ectoparasiticidal compositions containing new A83543 components are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods and reagents for specifically delivering biologically active compounds to phagocytic mammalian cells. The invention also relates to specific uptake of such biologically active compounds by phagocytic cells and delivery of such compounds to specific sites intracellularly. The invention specifically relates to methods of facilitating the entry of antiviral and antimicrobial drugs and other agents into phagocytic cells and for targeting such compounds to specific organelles within the cell. The invention specifically provides compositions of matter and pharmaceutical embodiments of such compositions comprising conjugates of such antimicrobial drugs and agents covalently linked to particulate carriers generally termed microparticles. In particular embodiments, the antimicrobial drug is covalently linked to a microparticle via an organic linker molecule which is the target of a microorganism-specific protein having enzymatic activity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of converting high mannose type glycosylation patterns to hybrid or complex type glycosylation patterns.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the establishment and maintenance in long term culture of hormone secreting cells. Cells are derived from animal or human tissues, including ovary, endometrium, trophoblast, pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas. Pancreatic cells are obtained by gently rupturing the basement lamina of a whole islet. The pancreatic cells that develop through the rupture in the basement lamina are cultured. The cells secrete into the culture medium various hormones depending on the tissue of origin of individual cell cultures. Contact with an appropriate secretogogue causes the cells to respond with increased hormone secretion. For instance, pancreatic cells respond to elevated glucose with increased insulin secretion. The cells proliferate in vitro for up to one year or longer, during which time they retain their hormone-secretion profile. The cells may be frozen for storage, and retain their hormone-secretion profile after thawing.

Abstract: Described is a substantially purified human breast epithelial cell (Type I HBEC) displaying the following characteristics: variable cell shape; smooth cell colony boundary; deficiency in gap junctional intercellular communication; positive expression of epithelial membrane antigen and keratin 18; negative expression of keratin 14, .alpha.6 integrin and gap junction genes for connexins (Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43); growth promotion by fetal bovine serum; induction by cholera toxin to differentiate into Type II HBEC (prior art); and acquisition anchorage independent growth by Semian virus 40 transfection. Also described is a method of obtaining the above-identified epithelial cells comprising the steps of: a) development of a mixture of human breast epithelial cells from reduction mammoplasty tissues using the MSU-1 medium; b) eliminating stromal fibroblasts by a trypsin (0.002%) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (0.

Abstract: By this invention, further properties and uses of plant medium chain thioesterases are provided. In particular, it is now seen that plant seed which would not normally contain medium-chain fatty acid, either as free fatty acids or incorporated into triglyceride molecules, can be found to contain such medium-chain fatty acids. By seed which would not normally contain medium-chain fatty acid is meant seed which contains less than 0.1 mole percent of a given medium-chain fatty acid in total fatty acids. Thus, any plant seed containing a minimum of 1.0 mole percent of a given medium-chain fatty acid in total fatty acids is significantly modified. In one embodiment, this invention relates to plant seed and oil derived from that seed, which normally do not contain laurate, but now are found to contain laurate.

Abstract: Aminosterol compounds are described that are useful as inhibitors of the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE). Methods of using such aminosterols compounds are also disclosed, including those employing compounds that are inhibitors of a spectrum of NHEs as well as those using compounds that are inhibitors of only one specific NHE. Advantageous screening techniques and assays for evaluating a compound's therapeutic activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel adenosine derivatives having the formula (I): wherein R is a lower alkyl group; R′ is hydrogen or a lower alkyl group; X is a cycloalkyl group, an alkyl group having at least one hydroxy group, an alkyl group having at least one phenyl group, a bicycloalkyl group, a naphthylalkyl group, an acenaphthylenylalkyl group or a group of the formula (II) or (III); Z is hydrogen, a hydroxy group or a lower alkoxy group, Q is hydrogen or a hydroxy group, A is —CH2—, —O—, —S— or shows a direct connection; Y is —(CH2)n— or shows a direct connection; n is an integer of 1 to 3; and the broken line is a double bond or a single bond. and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which are useful as antihypertensive agents.

Abstract: A nail oil composition is disclosed consisting essentially of a cosmetic oil containing at least 5% by weight jojoba oil, said cosmetic oil having at least 1% by weight tolnaftate dissolved therein. This composition is effective for treating and preventing fungal infestations in fingernails, particularly sculptured nails.