Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and zona pellucida binding peptides and polypeptides for use in immunocontraception of canines and other animals. The disclosed compositions may include pharmaceutical compositions. Methods for identifying peptides that bind to intact oocytes also are provided, in particular methods for identifying peptides that bind to zona pellucida of intact oocytes.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing endometriosis in a human subject comprising the steps of detecting a test amount of an antibody that specifically binds to SEQ ID NO: 6 polypeptide or a truncated peptide comprising an epitope of SEQ ID NO: 6 in a sample from the subject; and comparing the test amount with a normal range of the antibody in a control sample from a subject who does not suffer from endometriosis, whereby a test amount above the normal range provides a positive indication in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequences are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes that arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. MATER-protein specific binding agents, such as antibodies, are described. Methods are described for detecting MATER protein in a subject, including methods for determining whether a subject has a biological condition associated with abnormal Mater expression. Also provided are kits for detecting MATER protein in a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel nucleic acid and protein sequences that are essential to fertility. In particular, human Mater cDNA and protein sequences are provided. Functional MATER is required for female fertility; zygotes that arise from Mater null oocytes do not progress beyond the two-cell stage. Methods are described for detecting an autoimmune response to MATER in a subject by detecting autoantibodies that recognize an epitope of a MATER protein. Also provided are methods for diagnosis of infertility or reduced fertility by detecting presence of MATER protein autoantibodies in a subject. The disclosure also describes kits for detecting MATER autoantibodies comprising MATER protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins that are expressed in oocytes, nucleic acid sequences encoding those proteins and antibodies generated against those proteins. Composition and methods are provided for using the disclosed oocyte proteins as targets for contraceptive drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules, and variants thereof, for Zzp1, a novel Zona Pellucida protein. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, are fertility modulating and may be used for delivery and therapeutics. The present invention also includes antibodies to the Zzp1 polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of HLA-G. Antibodies to both soluble and membrane bound HLA-G are disclosed. Exemplary antibodies include 2C/C8, 3C/G4, and 4H84. 2C/C8 and 4H84 antibodies bind to the same region of HLA-G, which is a different region than that bound by 3C/G4. Methods of detection and diagnosis are disclosed as well as kits, including a miniaturized assay suitable for a clinical setting. Further, a method of selecting an embryos for in vitro fertilization is disclosed. A sandwich ELISA test is provided using two antibodies that bind to HLA-G at different regions. The HLA-G test according to the invention is over 1000 times more selective in binding to HLA-G than to antigens HLA-A2, HLA-B4, HLA-C, or mixed WBC preparations.

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: A method of determining the gender of a bird in ovo comprises detecting the presence or absence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone in the extra-embryonic fluid of the bird egg, and then determining the gender of the bird within the egg from the presence of an elevated level of a sex-related hormone therein. Preferably, the sex-related hormone is an estrogen. Further preferred are methods in which the extra-embryonic fluid is allantoic fluid. The method is preferably carried out on chicken eggs prior to or during transfer of the eggs from incubator to hatcher.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise one or more ovarian carcinoma proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such portions or antibodies or immune system cells specific for such proteins. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as ovarian cancer. Methods are further provided for identifying tumor antigens that are secreted from ovarian carcinomas and/or other tumors.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the therapy and diagnosis of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, are disclosed. Compositions may comprise one or more ovarian carcinoma proteins, immunogenic portions thereof, polynucleotides that encode such portions or antibodies or immune system cells specific for such proteins. Such compositions may be used, for example, for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as ovarian cancer. Methods are further provided for identifying tumor antigens that are secreted from ovarian carcinomas and/or other tumors. Polypeptides and polynucleotides as provided herein may further be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF) protein, an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a CAF protein, an antibody that selectively binds to a CAF protein, a composition comprising a Cytokine Activating Factor (CAF), and a method for modulating the immune system using the composition. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer using such a composition.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating inflammatory bowel disease in animals, including humans. Specific avian polyclonal antibodies directed to TNF are shown to have a beneficial effect in animal models predictive of human therapy for the treatment of colitis.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing anti-E. coli O157 antibodies. Anti-E. coli O157:H7 antibodies are produced in egg-laying hens and isolated from the eggs. E. coli O157:H7 is cultured in a brain heart infusion broth and killed by the treatment with hot water for 5-10 min. After being collected by centrifugation, the dead bacteria is homogenized. Serving as an antigenic material, the bacterial homogenate is injected into egg-laying hens to induce antibodies against E. coli O157:H7 in the eggs. The induced antibodies are isolated from the yolk of the eggs and the eggs containing the antibodies against E. coli O157:H7 can be utilized, in their entirety, for foods. Alternatively, the yolks are separated from the eggs and freeze-dried. The resulting dried egg component can be applied to processed foodstuffs, alone or in combination with whole eggs. Since the antibodies against E. coli O157:H7 are contained in frozen eggs, it is very convenient to store the antibodies.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.

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: The present invention relates to substantially purified agents normally expressed during mammalian pregnancy that may be used to control the proliferation of cells, and, in particular, provides for proliferative agents as well as antiproliferative agents. The antiproliferative agents may be used to limit undesirable proliferation of cells, for example, in the treatment of cancer. The proliferative agents may be utilized to increase cell proliferation and may be used, for example, in the treatment of infertility.

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: Novel polynucleotides and the proteins encoded thereby are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to antigenic preparations useful for inducing the production of antibodies in an individual which will bind to epitopes on zona pellucida. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions and methods for immunizing an individual to enable the production of antibodies to zona pellucida antigens. Also disclosed are the use of these recombinant molecules and monoclonal antibodies thereto for immunocontraception or sterilization.

Abstract: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions capable of generating an immune response in mammals against GnRH are disclosed. The immunogenic compositions are effective in methods of treating gonadotropin and gonadal steroid hormone dependent diseases and immunological contraception of mammals.

Abstract: A method for Avian sex-preselection by identifying sex-specific proteins for maternal immunization to embryonic proteins is described. Sex-preselection proteins are used in sexing offsprings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substantially purified agents normally expressed during mammalian pregnancy that may be used to control the proliferation of cells, and, in particular, provides for proliferative agents as well as antiproliferative agents. The antiproliferative agents may be used to limit undesirable proliferation of cells, for example, in the treatment of cancer. The proliferative agents may be utilized to increase cell proliferation and may be used, for example, in the treatment of infertility.

Abstract: Treating humans and animals intoxicated with a bacterial toxin by administration of antitoxin. Avian antitoxin in an aqueous solution in therapeutic amount that is orally administrable.

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: 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: Mammalian adipogenic factors, including purified proteins or glycoproteins, capable of inducing the adipose differentiation of adipogenic cells are disclosed, as are antibodies to such proteins, DNA encoding the proteins and host cells expressing the proteins. A method for determining the susceptibility of a subject to obesity by measuring the levels of one or more adipogenic factors in a biological fluid or tissue extract is also disclosed, as is a method for evaluating an anti-obesity drug which comprises contacting the drug with cells capable of producing one or more adipogenic factors and measuring the amount of the factors produced.

Abstract: Cell-associated glucosyltransferase of S. mutans serotypes c, e or f producing dental caries was isolated and purified and its characteristics as an enzyme were revealed. Furthermore, an antibody against said enzyme was prepared from eggs of the hens immunized with said enzyme. Since this antibody effectively prevents adherence of the aforementioned S. mutans to tooth surfaces, it is useful as an effective component for a dental caries prophylactic composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying high yields of IgG immunoglobulins from an egg yolk by a single phase separation step using a nonionic detergent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a DNA sequence comprising at least part of a porcine zona pellucida PZP-4.alpha. or -4.beta. gene coding for an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, respectively, in SEQUENCE LISTING.This invention also relates to an expression system and to expression of said DNA.In addition, this invention relates to an immunogenic recombinant polypeptide or peptide which comprises at least part of said amino acid sequence and which is obtained by expressing said DNA, and to a contraceptive vaccine for use in human or other animals which comprises said polypeptide or peptide as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Contraceptive devices which are effective for extended periods of time are described, in the form of means for releasing an effective amount of a gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition and means for releasing an effective amount of an estrogenic hormone over a first period of time, and means for releasing an effective amount of a progestogen for a second period of time, the second period of time being substantially shorter than and running simultaneously with a portion of the first period of time. The gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone composition is selected from gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone analogues, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone agonists, gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone antagonists and mixtures thereof. Contraceptive methods employing the devices are also described.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of lipids and cholesterol from protein materials comprising the steps of (a) treating the protein with an extraction mixture comprising a lower alcohol, water and an acid, in concentrations selected to extract cholesterol and lipids from the protein, and (b) removing the extraction mixture from the protein.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient exhibiting a neoplasm is provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of Follicle Regulatory Protein (FRP), or a polypeptide analog thereof. The method may be used both pre- and post-operatively.

Abstract: A preparation of an isolated immunoreactive CA 125 Antigen, and a method of isolating it is disclosed. CA 125 Antigen is a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of about 200kD, and a carbohydrate-content of about 24%. The CA 125 Antigen is isolated from a cell culture medium by acid precipitation, and is subsequently purified by size exclusion chromatography and immunoaffinity chromatography.

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: A method is disclosed for enhancement of the immunogenicity of a T cell immunogenic peptide which comprises adding an acidic amino acid at the N-terminus and/or a positive charge at the C-terminus of said peptide.

Abstract: The invention relates to antigenic preparations useful for inducing the production of antibodies in an individual which will bind to epitopes on zona pellucida. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions and methods for immunizing an individual to enable the production of antibodies to zona pellucida antigens. Also disclosed are the use of these recombinant molecules and monoclonal antibodies thereto for immunocontraception or sterilization.

Abstract: A protein having a molecular weight of from about 10,000 to 18,000 daltons, isoelectric points of from about pH 4.0 to 6.5 and having the reversible biological effect of inhibiting aromatase activity in a biological system, and antibodies to the protein, modulate follicular development and spermatogenesis and provide for diagnostic tests of gonadal functions.

Abstract: Rana pipiens eggs are subjected to fertilization and the embryos are grown to a predetermined stage of development. The embryos and unfertilized eggs are then subjected to mechanical processing in the presence of a weakly acidic buffer to produce an extract. The extract is subjected to ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography.The resulting pharmaceutical has activity against certain cancer cells. A partial amino acid sequence of the pharmaceutical is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating patients exhibiting neoplasms of gonadal origin is provided comprising administering a therapeutically effective dose of Follicle Regulatory Protein (FRP). The method may be used both pre- and post-operatively.

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: A vaccine for the immunocontraception of mammals is described. The vaccine consists of zona pellucida antigens and an adjuvant encapsulated in a liposome delivery system. The liposome delivery system allows for the slow release of antigen resulting in a prolonged immune response. In particular, after a single injection of the vaccine, levels of anti-zona pellucida antibodies were detected for up to 22 months in seals. Thus, the vaccine according to the present invention is effective after a single dose and is therefore very useful in immunocontraceptive protocols.