Abstract: Insulin sensitivity increasing substances (ISIS), including but not limited to D-chiro-inositol, thiazolidinedione and derivatives, and biguanides, are useful in the treatment of hair loss and other disorders of the pilosebaceous apparatus (hirsutism, acne, etc.) associated with conditions of excess insulin and/or insulin resistance. The treatment comprises administering to a mammal, such as a human, at least one ISIS either alone or in combination with at least one agent, such as an androgen receptor blocker (ARB) and/or a steroid enzyme inhibitor or inducer (STI). Additionally, an activity enhancing agent may be included for topical administration.

Abstract: Insulin sensitivity increasing substances (ISIS), including but not limited to D-chiro-inositol, thiazolidinedione and derivatives, and biguanides, are useful in the treatment of hair loss and other disorders of the pilosebaceous apparatus (hirsutism, acne, etc.) associated with conditions of excess insulin and/or insulin resistance. The treatment comprises administering to a mammal, such as a human, at least one ISIS either alone or in combination with at least one agent, such as an androgen receptor blocker (ARB) and/or a steroid enzyme inhibitor or inducer (STI). Additionally, an activity enhancing agent may be included for topical administration.

Abstract: Materials for soft tissue augmentation in mammals are prepared by cross-linking blood plasma proteins, preferably with a zero-length cross-linking agent. The cross-linked blood plasma proteins can be dialyzed and autoclaved. Such materials are non-antigenic, exhibit decreased allergic response, and have increased longevity with respect to proteolytic attack from natural proteases. The appearance and/or feel of soft tissue defects and/or imperfections in skin can be improved by injecting such materials into an intradermal compartment of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Insulin sensitivity increasing substances (ISIS), including but not limited to D-chiro-inositol, thiazolidinedione and derivatives, and biguanides, are useful in the treatment of hair loss and other disorders of the pilosebaceous apparatus (hirsutism, acne, etc.) associated with conditions of excess insulin and/or insulin resistance. The treatment comprises administering to a mammal, such as a human, at least one ISIS either alone or in combination with at least one agent, such as an androgen receptor blocker (ARB) and/or a steroid enzyme inhibitor or inducer (STI). Additionally, an activity enhancing agent may be included for topical administration.

Abstract: Synergistic compositions for inhibiting the action of androgens comprise the combination in a single topical preparation of a 5.alpha.-reductase enzyme inhibitor and an androgen receptor blocking agent in a pharmaceutically and dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The compositions may be topically applied to affected areas of the skin in the treatment or prevention of sebaceous gland hypertrophy, hirsutism and male-pattern baldness in mammals. The inhibitor and blocking agent are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:20 to 5:1, with the inhibitor comprising up to about 0.1% w/v of the comopsition and the blocking agent comprising up to about 1% w/v of the composition.

Abstract: A carpule system for the microadministration of viscous fluid including a carpule syringe comprising a stainless steel delivery needle having an interior diameter in the range of from about 0.004 inches to about 0.007 inches and a generally cylindrical fluid containing carpule. The carpule has a bore with a cross-sectional area which is about 100 to 400 times greater than the cross-sectional area of the bore of the delivery needle and a movable plug sealing the fluid within the carpule. The needle is secured to one end of the carpule and a generally cylindrical housing member is adapted to receive the carpule, the housing member having means on one end for retaining the one end of the carpule. An adapter member is secured to the other end of the housing member to secure the other end of the carpule and adapter retention means are provided for securing the adapter member to the other end of the housing member.

Abstract: Synergistic compositions for inhibiting the action of androgens comprise the combination in a single topical preparation of a 5.alpha.-reductase enzyme inhibitor and an androgen receptor blocking agent in a pharmaceutically and dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The compositions may be topically applied to affected areas of the skin in the treatment or prevention of sebaceous gland hypertrophy, hirsutism and male-pattern baldness in mammals. The inhibitor and blocking agent are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:20 to 5:1, with the inhibitor comprising up to about 0.1% w/v of the composition and the blocking agent comprising up to about 1% w/v of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe for the administration of small amounts of high viscosity fluid having a barrel and a delivery needle having substantially the same inside diameter. It is preferred that the barrel comprise a stainless steel tube. A generally cylindrical housing member having openings at each end of the housing and threads on one end for attaching the housing member to the barrel. An adapter member, secured to the other end of the housing member, receives and supports the other end of the barrel. A cap secures the adapter member to the other end of the housing member. A plunger is adapted for axial displacement within the barrel, and has a plunger tip which is chemically inert with respect to the fluid and which is adapted to slidingly engage the interior surface of the barrel and to seal the fluid within the barrel. A finger grip and a thumb grip facilitate movement of the plunger relative to the barrel.

Abstract: Topical formulations for treating dry skin with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may contain a keratolytic agent to counteract the formation of acne-like skin lesions without diminishing the effectiveness of DHEA in increasing sebum production. The keratolytic agent may be a hydroxybenzoic acid, alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid or urea, with salicylic acid being preferred. The DHEA and keratolytic agent may be formulated in a non-toxic, dermatologically acceptable vehicle including tinctures, creams, ointments, gels and lotions.

Abstract: The severity in incidence of menopausal or age related skin dryness in particular localized areas of the body can be reduced or eradicated by topical administration of effective dosages of the free alcohol form of dehydroepiandrosterone or its derivatives.

Abstract: Method of making fibers suitable for making a hair brush includes a matrix or pad made of a flexible material and a plurality of relatively rigid, single natural-type bristles having their lower ends anchored by flexible, sleevelike members projecting upward from the matrix. Also disclosed is a method of forming the bristles which includes comminuting natural bristles at a low temperature and then forming a thick slurry of the comminuted bristles and a binder, which is then molded and cured to form bristles having improved characteristics.

Abstract: In a syringe or syringe capsule, particularly for micro-administration of highly viscous liquids, there are provided a zero or negative allowance between the barrel and the plunger and a low friction, resilient interface between the barrel and the plunger. There is thus provided a high pressure-resistant seal which, nevertheless, permits manual operation of the syringe with a reasonable amount of force.