Abstract: The present invention relates generally to Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor III (ADNF III), also known as Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP). More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding ADNF III polypeptides; ADNF III polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid sequences; antibodies to ADNF III polypeptides; and methods of using such ADNF III polypeptides for the treatment of neurological deficiencies and for the prevention of cell death associated with (1) gp120, the envelope protein from HIV; (2) N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (excito-toxicity); (3) tetrodotoxin (blockage of electrical activity); and (4) &bgr;-amyloid peptide, a substance related to neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving performance (e.g. learning and/or memory) using ADNF polypeptides, by treating the subject prenatally or postnatally with an Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor (ADNF) polypeptide in an amount sufficient to improve postnatal learning and/or memory of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using antisense ADNF III oligonucleotides to inhibit the growth of pathologically proliferating cells. The invention also provides methods and kits for using ADNF III nucleic acid probes to detect the presence of pathologically proliferating cells in human tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combination therapy using a pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide which is an antagonist of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and a chemotherapeutic agent. Methods of using the pharmaceutical composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to Activity Dependent Neurotrophic Factor III (ADNF III), also known as Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP). More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding ADNF III polypeptides; ADNF III polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid sequences; antibodies to ADNF III polypeptides; and methods of using such ADNF III polypeptides for the treatment of neurological deficiencies and for the prevention of cell death associated with (1) gp120, the envelope protein from HIV; (2) N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (excito-toxicity); (3) tetrodotoxin (blockage of electrical activity); and (4) &bgr;-amyloid peptide, a substance related to neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using antisense ADNF III oligonucleotides to inhibit the growth of pathologically proliferating cells. The invention also provides methods and kits for using ADNF III nucleic acid probes to detect the presence of pathologically proliferating cells in human tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for reducing a condition associated with fetal alcohol syndrome in a subject who is exposed to alcohol in utero with an ADNF polypeptide. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of reducing a condition associated with fetal alcohol syndrome in a subject who is exposed to alcohol in utero with a combination of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides. The present invention further relates to a method for reducing neuronal cell death by contacting neuronal cells with a combination of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides. Still further, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination of ADNF I and ADNF III polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel conjugates of peptide fragments of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or analogues thereof having 3-12 amino acid residues, and lipophilic moieties, which may be present at the N- or C-terminus. The invention further concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing these novel conjugates which may be used for treatment of male impotence or for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: There are provided novel compounds for the treatment of male impotence. The compounds are derived from vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in which the natural amino acid sequence is modified by replacement of any of the 5, 17 and 19 amino acid residues by other natural or non-natural amino acids, and they bear at least one terminal lipophilic group.The modified VIP sequences are prepared by conventional peptide chain assembling methods.The novel compounds and compositions containing them are suitable for transdermal application for treating male impotence.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide compound selected from the group consisting of:(i) vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP);(ii) analogues of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in which one or more amino acids has been replaced, added or deleted without substantially altering the biological properties of the parent peptide;(iii) a conjugate being a peptide compound according to either of (i) and (ii) coupled to a lipophilic moiety;(iv) a physiologically active fragment of (i), (ii) and (iii); and(v) a functional derivative of any of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv);optionally in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified non-neuronal activity-dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) protein that increase the survival of spinal cord neuron cells, cerebral cortical cells and hippocampal neuron cells which has a molecular weight of 16,000 to 18,000 Daltons as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and a basic pI of about 8.1.

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: The present invention relates to a peptide encoding an antagonist of VIP. The invention also relates to a method of using said peptide to antagonize VIP function. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: There are provided pharmaceutical compositions for topical transdermal application for the treatment of male impotence. The active ingredients of such compositions are selected from vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), effective derivatives thereof and effective fragments thereof. In the compositions for the treatment of male impotence a transdermally effective conjugate of VIP, its derivatives or fragments coupled to a hydrophogic moiety, is used.