Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, recombinant human PBEF has been produced in order to study its ability to stimulate the transcription of the key cytokine mediators of labor induction, using the amnion-like epithelial (WISH) cell line and fetal membrane explants. As a result of these studies, it has been determined that PBEF is a good indicator of initiation of labor. This makes PBEF a useful marker, especially for the identification of subjects who have initiated preterm labor. Accordingly, methods for the identification of subjects who have commenced labor are provided. In addition, methods are also provided for blocking labor, as well as compositions useful therefor. This is accomplished by blocking the production of PBEF or by blocking the action of PBEF.

Abstract: Novel peptide derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing then are useful in treating MHC class II dependent T-cell method autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, methods and kits that provide for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing uteroglobin for preventing or inhibiting metastasis of lung tumor cells and methods of using the same to prevent or inhibit metastasis of lung tumor cells. The present invention also relates to methods and kits for early diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer by assaying for uteroglobin and comparing the results against control cells. The present invention also relates to methods and kits for detection of metastatic lung cancer by assaying for the presence of an aberrant form of uteroglobin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for gender determination of avian embryos. During the embryo incubation process, the outer hard shells of eggs are drilled and samples of allantoic fluid are removed. The allantoic fluids are directly introduced into an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) for analysis. The resulting spectra contain the relevant marker peaks in the positive or negative mode which correlate with unique mobilities which are sex-specific. This way, the gender of the embryo can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human eosinophil-derived basic protein (EBPH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode EBPH. The invention also provides genetically engineered expression vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences encoding EBPH and a method for producing EBPH. The invention also provides for use of EBPH and agonists, antibodies or antagonists specifically binding EBPH, in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with expression of EBPH. Additionally, the invention provides for the use of antisense molecules to polynucleotides encoding EBPH for the treatment of diseases associated with the expression of EBPH. The invention also provides diagnostic assays which utilize the polynucleotide, or fragments or the complement thereof, and antibodies specifically binding EBPH.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide which provides for initial binding of sperm to oocyte investments and has an active amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12 (Cys-Gln-Ser-Leu-Gln-Glu-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gln-Asn-Gln-Arg-Gln-Leu-Glu-Ser-A sn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Val-Asp-Leu-Ala-Arg-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ser-Asn-Ile- Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-Pro-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn -Glu-Asp-Val-Cys); or SEQ ID NO:13 (Cys-Glu-Ser-Leu-Gln-Lys-His-Leu-Ala-Glu-Leu-Asn-His-Gln-Lys-Gln-Leu-Glu-S er-Asn-Lys-Ile-Pro-Glu-Leu-Asp-Met-Thr-Glu-Val-Val-Ala-Pro-Phe-Met-Ala-Asn- Ile-Pro-Leu-Leu-Leu-Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Gly-Pro-Arg-Ser-Lys-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Asp -Asn-Gly-Asp-Val-Cys); or the shorter but biologically active SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:9 (Tyr-Pro-Gln-Asp-Arg-X-Arg-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gln-Pro-Lys-Ala-Asn, where X is Thr or Pro).

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining the prognosis of a solid tumor is provided, in which a sample from a patient bearing a tumor is assayed for the presence of a protein which is immunologically cross-reactive with the hpr gene product, but not with haptoglobin 1 or haptoglobin 2. Also provided is a method for preparing antibodies specific for this diagnostic marker which correlates with early relapse and metastasis of breast and other cancers. The marker can be detected using immunological methods employing antibodies specific for Hpr protein and not cross-reactive with haptoglobins 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of detecting rupture of the amniotic membranes in pregnant mammals including humans using an immunoassay and reagents useful in such an assay. The method describes how to prepare a suitable protein antigen from amniotic fluid, gives criteria for the selection of this protein from the mixture of proteins present in amniotic fluid using the techniques of protein purification, gives criteria for assessing a sufficient degree of antigen purity for raising antibodies to the antigen and shows how the resultant antibodies can be used in immunoassays to detect the presence of amniotic fluid in the vagina and consequently to detect rupture of the amniotic membranes. The method also relates to the detection of amniotic fluid in other situations.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an extract from human placenta containing glycosphingolipids and endothelin-like peptides useful for the treatment of vitiligo is disclosed.

Abstract: KS-laminin and a KS-laminin-kalinin adduct are disclosed. The molecules of the invention are useful for promoting the adhesion of keratinocytes to a substrate.

Abstract: Based on the discovery that normal pregnant mice have a striking reduction in committed precursors of B lymphocytes, which could be documented in mice as early as day 6 of gestation, when IL-7 responding colony forming cells were reduced as much as two-thirds of normal levels, it has been determined that estrogen and other hormones elevated in pregnancy induce a specific modulation of lymphocyte formation during pregnancy and lactation. It is therefore possible to immunomodulate in a specific manner an animal by administration of hormones elevated during pregnancy, such as estrogen and estrogen-like compounds, or antagonists of estrogen. This has potential in the treatment of a number of disorders, especially those found in very high percentages of women as compared with men, such as many of the autoimmune disorders, as well as in immune tolerance during pregnancy, cyclic neutropenia, and osteoporosis.

Abstract: By the combined use of an agent which selectively dissolves tumor cells and which contains a protein fraction which has oxygen-liberating action and which is derived from the photosynthetic system of plants, together with a further agent which inhibits the proteases of the cancer cells and which has been obtained by means of extraction of embryonic tissue or maternal uterus tissue from placentals, it is possible to selectively dissolve the tumor by means of this agent without damaging the healthy organism. When used on its own, the abovementioned plant-derived agent shows an activity in the treatment of inflammatory processes and is also suitable for the aftertreatment of scars, keloids and damage caused by ionizing rays.

Abstract: It has been determined that estrogen and other hormones elevated in pregnancy induce a specific modulation of lymphocyte precursor cell production. The immune system of an animal or bone marrow cells in culture can therefore be modulated in a specific manner by administration of hormones elevated during pregnancy, such as estrogen and estrogen-like compounds or compounds that interfere with the synthesis or activity of these hormones, to increase or decrease production of B lymphocyte precursor cells.

Abstract: A thromboplastin extract including an aqueous thromboplastin extract of a powdered thromboplastin source including a metal ion chelator. A thromboplastin reagent for use in blood coagulation tests, the thromboplastin reagent includes the extract and calcium ions, and may include one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative.A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: A purified protein kalinin is disclosed that provides adhesion between epidermal keratinocytes and the underlying dermis. Purified kalinin localizes to the anchoring filaments of basement membranes or human subepithelial skin, trachea, esophagus, cornea and amnion when such areas are probed with BM165 monoclonal antibody after localization. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 400-460 kDa and exists in a cell-associated form (about 460 kDa) and two medium-associated forms (about 440 and 400 kDa, respectively). The cell-associated form comprises a 200-, a 155- and a 140-kDa subunit, all normally held together by disulflde bonds. The cell-associated form is subjected to extracellular processing to produce the two medium-associated forms, wherein, in the 440-kDa form, the 200-kDa subunit has been processed to a 165-kDa subunit and, in the 400-kDa form, the 155-kDa subunit has been processed to a 105-KDa subunit. The BM165 epitope is located on the 165-kDa subunit.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the discovery of a 23 kD protein, designated herein as Queb, that has specific binding affinity for the purine base Queuine. The invention particularly relates to polypeptides having specific binding reactivity with Queuine and methods of using such polypeptides to purify Queuine and Queuine-containing substances. The invention also relates to antibodies having specific reactivity with Queuine or Queb. Methods for determining the presence and concentration of Queuine and Queb are also provided as well as methods for the diagnosis of a pathological disease or prognosis of a patient having a disease associated with Queuine, Queuine-containing substances such as Queuine-tRNA, or Queb. Kits useful for performing the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific to a human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor is disclosed. The antibody is produced by culturing a hybridoma which secretes it. A human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor can be purified by using the monoclonal antibody as an immunoadsorbent. The human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor can be immunologically assayed by using the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Cloning and expression of the gene encoding human phosphlipase inhibitory protein (hPIP) permits production of an anti-inflammatory protein in practical quantities using recombinant techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the isolation of Human Nerve Growth Factor (HNGF) from human placenta. More particularly, the invention is directed to the method of isolation of the .beta.-subunit of Human Nerve Growth Factor and Compositions containing the same for the treatment of neuropathological conditions.

Abstract: The protein PP4-X, whose amino acid sequence and the DNA sequence coding for this have been determined, has anticoagulative properties and can be prepared by genetic manipulation. PP4-X is used for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Genes and DNA transfer vectors for the expression of human preprorelaxin; sub-units thereof, including genes and transfer vectors for expression of human prorelaxin and the individual A, B and C peptide chains thereof; and equivalents of all such genes. Methods for synthesis of the peptides involving recombinant DNA techniques.

Abstract: A method of controlling tumor cell metastasis comprising administering to a human a therapeutically effective amount of a ribonuclease inhibitor.

Abstract: Genes and DNA transfer vector for the expression of human preprorelaxin; subunits thereof, including genes and transfer vectors for expression of human prorelaxin and the individual A, B and C peptide chains thereof; and equivalents of all such genes. Methods for synthesis of the peptides involving recombinant DNA techniques.

Abstract: A substance having an inhibitory effect on the production of human choriogonadotropin (hCG) is described, which comprises a protein isolated from human decidual cells with a molecular weight of about 7,000 to about 10,000 daltons, and useful for use in inhibiting production of hCG in vivo or in vitro or may be measured as an indication of a cause of hCG inhibition.

Abstract: Genes and DNA transfer vectors for the expression of human preprorelaxin; sub-units thereof, including genes and transfer vectors for expression of human prorelaxin and the individual A, B and C peptide chains thereof; and equivalents of all such genes. Method for synthesis of the peptides involving recombinant DNA techniques are provided.

Abstract: Genes and DNA transfer vectors for the expression of human preprorelaxin; sub-units thereof, including genes and transfer vectors for expression of human prorelaxin and the individual A, B and C peptide chains thereof; and equivalents of all such genes. Methods for synthesis of the peptides involving recombinant DNA techniques.

Abstract: An inhibitor of angiogenin and method of use of the inhibitor, wherein the inhibitor inhibits the angiogenic activity of angiogenin. The inhibitor is dispensed at a suitable concentration within a physiologically compatable medium, suitable for administration to an animal in sufficient quantity to inhibit the biological activity of naturally occurring angiogenin within the animal.

Abstract: An angiogenic factor is disclosed which is a purified, single-polypeptide-chain protein having at least one active site possessing an activity selected from the group consisting of mitogenic activity, chemotactic activity, the ability to stimulate protease synthesis and combinations thereof. This angiogenic factor exhibits substantial homology to and is immunologically equivalent to the native angiogenic factor isolatable from human placental tissues. The amino acid sequence of this angiogenic factor is also disclosed. In addition, a method for isolation of the purified angiogenic factor from human placental tissues is set forth. Pharmaceutical preparations incorporating this angiogenic factor are described.

Abstract: A process for the purification of tissue protein PP4 which can be obtained from placenta is described.This process makes use of the property of binding to saccharide polysulfates or to sulfated sugars in the presence of calcium ions.

Abstract: Proteins having therapeutic potential as both anticoagulants and as anti-inflammatory agents are disclosed. The present invention also discloses the use of lipocortins in reducing blood coagulation in warm-blooded animals.

Abstract: A new glycoprotein ZP-0 originating from the oviduct of a mammal having a molecular weight of about 200,000 to 240,000, as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel density-gradient electrophoresis having an isoelectric point of about 4 to 6.2, as determined by isoelectric focusing, containing no sub-fragments, as determined by SDS-disk electrophoresis, forming a carbamylation train in two-dimensional electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel density-gradient electrophoresis, and facilitating species-specific bonding of sperm to zonae pellucidae; and a process for production of the above-mentioned glycoprotein comprising, preparing oviduct from a mammal, homogenating the oviduct optionally with a buffer, to obtain a homogenate, obtaining a liquid containing the glycoprotein from the homogenate, adsorbing the glycoprotein onto lectin immobilized on an insoluble support, liberating the glycoprotein from the support, and recovering the glycoprotein.

Abstract: A new glycoprotein ZP-0 originating from the oviduct of a mammal having a molecular weight of about 200,000 to 240,000, as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel density-gradient electrophoresis having an isoelectric point of about 4 to 6.2, as determined by isoelectric focusing, containing no sub-fragments, as determined by SDS-disk electrophoresis, forming a carbamylation train in two-dimensional electrophoresis (isoelectric focusing, and SDS-polyacrylamide gel density-gradient electrophoresis), and facilitating species-specific bonding of sperm to zonae pellucidae; and a process for production of the above-mentioned glycoprotein comprising, preparing oviduct from a mammal, homogenating the oviduct optionally with a buffer, to obtain a homogenate, obtaining a liquid containing the glycoprotein from the homogenate, adsorbing the glycoprotein onto lectin immobilized on an insoluble support, liberating the gylcoprotein from the support, and recovering the glycoprotein.

Abstract: Novel human placenta-derived anticoagulating substances having the following properties:(1) molecular weight of 34,000.+-.2,000 determined by SDA-polyacrylamide gel electrphoresis under reduced state;(2) isoelectric point of 4.7.+-.0.1 determined by isoelectric column electrophoresis using an ampholite;(3) stabilityinactivated by heat treatment at 50.degree. C. to 30 minutes, stable at a pH of 4-10, and stable in plasma at 37.degree. C. for 30 minutes;(4) activitycapable of prolonging a recalcification time, a prothrombin time, and an activated partial thromboplastin time; and(5) the existence of several amino acids including aspartic acid, threonine, serine, and so on; are prepared by homogenizing human placenta, subjecting the resulting homogenate to centrifugal separation, extracting an anticoagulating substance from the residue or from a microsome fraction contained in the supernatant with a surface active agent and/or a chelating agent, and purifying and isolating the substance from the extract.

Abstract: A thrombin-binding substance derived from human tissue and having the characteristics of (a) molecular weight: 88,000.+-.20,000 in reduced condition and 71,000.+-.20,000 in unreduced condition; (b) isoelectric point: .sub.p H 4.2.+-.0.5; (c) affinity: strong for thrombin; (d) activities: capable of promoting the thrombin-catalyzed activation of protein C and prolonging clotting time; and (e) stability: stable over a .sub.p H range of 2 to 10 and stable to denaturing agents (sodium dodecylsulfate and urea) and to a pepsin treatment, is effectively useful for thrombolysis and anticoagulation.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a factor XIII preparation is described, in which the factor XIII is precipitated from a placental extract using an alcohol, and is adsorbed onto an anion exchanger, and the exchanger is washed and the factor XIII is eluted. The factor XIII preparation obtained can be used for the treatment of disturbances of blood coagulation.