Abstract: Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds, namely L-arginine, L-lysine, physiologically acceptable salts thereof, and polypeptide precursors thereof, which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. In or in combination, other compounds, such as B.sub.6, folate, B.sub.12, or an antioxidant, which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes may be employed.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a method for inhibiting vascular cellular activity of cells associated with vascular lesion formation in mammals which involves administering an effective dosage of at least one antisense sequence to at least one gene expressing a cyclin or a cyclin dependent kinase which inhibits the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention involves administering antisense sequences which inhibit the expression of cyclin A, B1, B2, C, D1, D2, D3, E or cyclin X (p46) cyclin X and cyclin dependent kinase cdc2, cdk2, cdk4 or cdk5. It is preferable to use two antisense sequences each from a different cyclin or cyclin dependent kinase. The cyclin or cyclin kinase depending kinase dosage is preferable administered in combination with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Antisense methods and compositions direct to inhibiting the expression of growth factors such as TGF-.beta..sub.1, TGF, bFGF, PDGF are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a method for inhibiting vascular cellular activity of cells associated with vascular lesion formation in mammals which involves administering an effective dosage of at least one antisense sequence to at least one gene expressing a cyclin or a cyclin dependent kinase which inhibits the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention involves administering antisense sequences which inhibit the expression of cyclin A, B1, B2, C, D1, D2, D3, E or cyclin X (p46) cyclin X and cyclin dependent kinase cdc2, cdk2, cdk4 or cdk5. It is preferable to use two antisense sequences each from a different cyclin or cyclin dependent kinase. The cyclin or cyclin kinase depending kinase dosage is preferable administered in combination with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Antisense methods and compositions direct to inhibiting the expression of growth factors such as TGF-.beta..sub.1, TGF, bFGF, PDGF are also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: Endothelial cells derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue are genetically modified to express the endothelial cell-specific angiogenic factor VEGF. The modified cells are sodded onto a vascular prosthesis for transplantation into an autologous or allogeneic recipient. The method accelerates endothelialization on the luminal surface of the vessel, and promotes collateral circulation in distal ischemic organs.

Abstract: The invention presents a system for inducing cells in living intact tissue, in vivo or ex vivo, to accept nucleotides from their extracellular environment and to localize those nucleotides into the cells' nuclei. This system relies on the fact that, when subjected to high pressure, cells take in nucleotides and localize those nucleotides into their nuclei with a transfection rate of greater than 90% in some cases. This invention employs various techniques for placing under high pressure either cells in isolated tissue cultures, or cells in tissues still connected to a living body.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for intracellular transfer of a wide variety of agents, by using Sendai virus comprising liposomes having various compositions in the liposome lumen. A preferred method for preparing the liposomes provides for enhanced levels of luminal concentrations, as well as incorporation of high molecular weight molecules. The method comprises fusing liposomes, where one liposome comprises the Sendai virus proteins and the other liposome comprises the luminal composition. The subject methods find particular application with intranuclear transfer of nucleic acids, more particularly with cells of the vasculature.

Abstract: Atherogenesis and restenosis are treated by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes. In addition, cells may be genetically engineered to provide a component in the synthetic pathway to nitric oxide, so as drive the process to enhance nitric oxide concentration, particularly in conjunction with the administration of a nitric oxide precursor.