Abstract: A method for grafting a cell in the brain of a mammalian subject is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 &mgr;m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor. The method is used to treat neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method for grafting a cell in the brain of a mammalian subject is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 &mgr;m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor. The method is used to treat neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method for grafting a cell in the brain of a mammalian subject is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 .mu.m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor. The method is used to treat neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method for grafting a cell in the brain of a mammalian subject is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain. A syringe containing viable cells that are attached to a matrix surface may be used to transplant the cells into the brain or spinal cord of a mammalian subject. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 .mu.m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor.

Abstract: A channel protein having a Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+ selectivity of approximately 100 and capable of affecting Na.sup.+ membrane transport is disclosed. Amiloride derivatives, and amiloride gel materials incorporating such derivatives, useful in treating membrane transport, cellular volume and cellular pressure disorders and in isolating the channel protein are also disclosed. These amiloride derivatives may be prepared by mixing the amiloride with an alkanediol in the presence of a base followed by addition of an acid. Use of the channel protein in diagnostic assays and screening assays is described.

Abstract: A method for increasing the viability of viable cells which are administered to the brain or spinal cord of a mammalian subject. This method is accomplished by attaching the cell to a support matrix so that the cell attaches to the matrix surface, and implanting the support matrix with the attached cell into the brain or spinal cord. Preferred support matrices are glass or plastic microbeads, either solid or porous, having a diameter from about 90 to about 125 .mu.m. The method employs cells of different types, preferably cells of neural or paraneural origin, such as adrenal chromaffin cells. Also useful are cell lines grown in vitro. Cells not of neural or paraneural origin, such as fibroblasts, may also be used following genetic alteration to express a desired neural product such as a neurotransmitter or a neuronal growth factor. The method is used to treat neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: A method, and related compositions, for reducing body fat percentage, increasing lean muscle mass and/or lowering cholesterol levels in individuals. The method consists of the ingestion of an extract derived from muira puama root, bark or other wood material. A method of preparing the muira puama extract into an easily ingestible and manipulatable solid form, and pharmaceutical compositions for use by mammalian subjects, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for regulating cation transport across cellular membranes possessing cation channels are provided. The cell membrane possessing a specific ion channel is exposed to a non-aromatic polyamine compound having a lysine- or arginine-based moiety (or a guanidine moiety) coupled to a straight chain polyamine.These polyamines as well as a method for regulating NMDA through a spermidine-like effect on NMDA receptors by exposing a cell membrane to selected polyamines are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for regulating cation transport across cellular membranes possessing cation channels are provided. The cell membrane possessing a specific ion channel is exposed to a non-aromatic polyamine compound having a lysine- or arginine-based moiety (or a guanidine moiety) coupled to a straight chain polyamine.These polyamines as well as a method for regulating NMDA through a spermidine-like effect on NMDA receptors by exposing a cell membrane to selected polyamines are also provided.

Abstract: A channel protein having a Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+ selectivity of approximately 100 and capable of affecting Na.sup.+ membrane transport is disclosed. Amiloride derivatives, and amiloride gel materials incorporating such derivatives, useful in treating membrane transport, cellular volume and cellular pressure disorders and in isolating the channel protein are also disclosed. Use of the channel protein in diagnostic assays and screening assays is described.

Abstract: Nonpolypeptide factors isolated from the venom of funnel-web spiders are capable of binding calcium channel proteins. These nonpolypeptide factors are used to purify calcium channels and completely block voltage-dependant calcium conductance of cell membranes.

Abstract: A channel protein has a Na.sup.+ /K.sup.+ selectivity of approximately 100 and capable of affecting Na.sup.+ membrane transport. Amiloride derivatives, and amiloride gel materials incorporating such derivatives, are useful in treating membrane transport, cellular volume and cellular pressure disorders and in isolating the channel protein. The channel protein is used in diagnostic assays and screening assays.

Abstract: A channel protein has a molecular weight of approximately 280 kD and is capable of affecting K.sup.+ and Cl.sup.- membrane transport. Furosemide and quinine derivatives, and polysaccharide or monosaccharide gels incorporating such derivatives, are useful in treating membrane transport, cellular volume and cellular pressure disorders and in producing the channel protein. The channel protein is used in diagnostic assays and screening assays is described.