Abstract: The present invention provides a Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other animals, and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of diseases in animals and for the control of insects that are injurious or harmful to plants or animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells, and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other species and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists useful as potential insecticides. The invention further provides methods for binding a DmGPCR, methods for identifying modulators of DmGPCR expression and activity, methods for controlling a population of insects with a DmGPCR antibody, a DmGPCR antisense polynucleotide, a DmGPCR binding partner or modulator, and methods of preventing or treating a disease or condition associated with an ectoparasite. Specifically, this invention discloses the matching of the orphan Drosophila drotachykinin, droleucokinin, and drostatin-C receptors with their cognate peptide ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other animals, and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of diseases in animals and for the control of insects that are injurious or harmful to plants or animals.

Abstract: The invention provides neuropeptide ligands, G protein-coupled receptors and methods of screening for modulators of receptor activity. Identified modulators, including neuropeptide ligand mimetics, are useful as biostatic and biocidal agents of varying scope, ranging from lethal activity restricted to particular invertebrate parasites to broad spectrum invertebrate parasiticides active on a wide range of invertebrates, including helminths and insects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other animals, and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of diseases in animals and for the control of insects that are injurious or harmful to plants or animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other animals, and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of diseases in animals and for the control of insects that are injurious or harmful to plants or animals.

Abstract: The invention provides neuropeptide ligands, G protein-coupled receptors and methods of screening for modulators of receptor activity. Identified modulators, including neuropeptide ligand mimetics, are useful as biostatic and biocidal agents of varying scope, ranging from lethal activity restricted to particular invertebrate parasites to broad spectrum invertebrate parasiticides active on a wide range of invertebrates, including helminths and insects.

Abstract: The present invention provides Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells, and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other species and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists useful as potential insecticides. The invention further provides methods for binding a DmGPCR, methods for identifying modulators of DmGPCR expression and activity, methods for controlling a population of insects with a DmGPCR antibody, a DmGPCR antisense polynucleotide, a DmGPCR binding partner or modulator, and methods of preventing or treating a disease or condition associated with an ectoparasite. Specifically, this invention discloses the matching of the orphan Drosophila drotachykinin, droleucokinin, and drostatin-C receptors with their cognate peptide ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides Drosophila melanogaster GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells, and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other species and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists useful as potential insecticides. The invention further provides methods for binding a DmGPCR, methods for identifying modulators of DmGPCR expression and activity, methods for controlling a population of insects with a DmGPCR antibody, a DmGPCR antisense polynucleotide, a DmGPCR binding partner or modulator, and methods of preventing or treating a disease or condition associated with an ectoparasite. Specifically, this invention discloses the matching of the orphan Drosophila short neuropeptide F receptor with its cognate peptide ligands.

Abstract: Novel GRF PEPTIDES having Thr, Val or Ile at position 2, having an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Val, Leu, Ile or Gly at position 15, and optionally substituted with Val or Ile at position 19 are described. Compositions and the method of stimulating the release of growth hormone utilizing GRF PEPTIDES having Thr, Val or Ile at position 2 and having an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Ala, Val, Leu, Ile or Gly at position 15 are also described. The GRF PEPTIDES of the present invention have enhanced stability in plasma.

Abstract: Pyridyl-alanyl decapeptides have been effectively synthesized and found to have antiovulatory activity. The exemplary [N-Ac-D-2-Nal.sup.1,pCl-D-Phe.sup.2, D-3-Pal.sup.3,D-Arg.sup.6,D-Ala.sup.10 ]-LHRH has very high potency to inhibit ovulation, both parenterally and orally. Also, this exemplary pyridyl-alanyl-decapeptide showed an unexpected prolonged duration of antiovulatory activity. Such pyridyl-alanyl-decapeptides are useful to control reproduction.

Abstract: A class of three substances has been isolated in highly purified form and in substantially pure form by utilizing thymus tissue as a source material. These three substances are designated thymone A, thymone B and thymone C. Thymones A and B are new peptides which yield approximately 13 and 14 individual amino acid moieties, respectively, on acid hydrolysis. Thymones A and B are chemically characterized by electrophoretic and chromatographic values which are appropriate for substances which are substantially pure. Thymone C was highly purified and its biological activity was reproducibly detected and measured. Thymones A, B and C stimulate the proliferation of lymphocytes. Thymone A stimulates the formation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Thymone B stimulates the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate.