Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (endobiotic peptides), isolated from fish are described. Such endobiotic peptides may be isolated as 22 amino acid peptides having molecular weights of about 2500 Da from the gills of hybrid striped bass (Morone saxitilis×Morone chrysops). Antibodies that bind such peptides and methods of using such peptides are also described.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (endobiotic peptides) isolated from mast cells are described, along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof. Such peptides obtained from fish mast cells are referred to as “piscidins” herein.

Abstract: Antimicrobial peptides (endobiotic peptides), isolated from fish are described. Such endobiotic peptides may be isolated as 22 amino acid peptides having molecular weights of about 2500 Da from the gills of hybrid striped bass (Morone saxitilis×Morone chrysops). Antibodies that bind such peptides and methods of using such peptides are also described.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of melanin-pigmented cells in a subject having need of such treatment is provided in which the subject is administered a cyclic amine which is selectively toxic to melanin-pigmented cells. Such cyclic amines include morpholine; piperazine; piperidine; N-methylpiperidine; N-methylpiperazine; 1,4 dimethylpiperazine; 2,5 dimethylpiperazine; piperidinopyridine and piperidino 1,2 propanediol for a time period and in a concentration sufficient to inhibit the growth rate of the cells without substantially affecting nonpigmented cells. Treatment of the subject by also administering a tyrosinase stimulator such as theophylline markedly increases the selective toxicity of the cyclic amine to the melanin-pigmented cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a channel catfish virus vaccine comprising an attenuated strain or strains of channel catfish virus and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent and a method of preparation thereof comprising the serial passage of a channel catfish virus through a plurality of tissue cell cultures until the resulting virus material is sufficiently attenuated to permit its safe administration to channel catfish. The invention also relates to a method of immunizing channel catfish from channel catfish virus disease comprising hyperosmotically infiltrating the channel catfish with the above-described vaccine followed by a the hyperosmotic infiltration thereof with a booster dose of said vaccine.