Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons by administering a neurturin neurotrophic factor protein product. The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified. Genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. Methods and devices are disclosed for the delivery of GDNF using either an implantable cell which expresses human GDNF or a biocompatible semipermeable membrane containing genetically engineered cells which express and secrete the neurotrophic factor.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as truncated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (truncated GDNF) proteins, that promote dopamine uptake by dopaminergic cells and promote the survival of nerve cells. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the truncated GDNF proteins by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons by administering a neurturin neurotrophic factor protein product. The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process. An implantable device containing recombinant GDNF secreting cells encapsulated in a semipermeable membrane may be used to treat nerve damage in patients suffering from disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process. Antibodies to GDNF are disclosed, as well as methods for identifying members of the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear (and vestibular) hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (as well as vestibular neurons--Carpa's neurons) by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating injury or degeneration of cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates more specifically to methods for treating sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-inflammatory peptides that are based on peptide regions 7-10, 11-14, and 57-64 of CD14.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel human serum protein referred to as AFM, which has one or more activities in common with human serum albumin, human a-fetoprotein, or human vitamin D binding protein and which has an apparent molecular weight by SDS-PAGE of 87 kd; variants thereof; and related genes, vectors, cells and methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preventing or reducing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist-mediated neuronal cell death by administering a glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein product.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of retinal neurons, and in particular photoreceptors, by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating retinal conditions or diseases in which vision is lost such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vitreoretinopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies, viral retinopathies, ischemic retinopathies, retinal detachment and traumatic retinopathy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to inhibit or prevent seizure activity. The methods of the present invention are accomplished by administering GDNF to patients having or potentially having a neurodegenerative disorder such as epilepsy. Pharmaceutical compositions containing a therapeutically effective amount of GDNF in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel human serum protein and nucleic acid referred to as AFM, which has one or more activities in common with human serum albumin, human a-fetoprotein, or human vitamin D binding protein and which has an apparent molecular weight by SDS-PAGE of 87 kd; variants thereof; and related genes, vectors, cells and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of retinal ganglion cells by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating optic nerve injury or degeneration associated with glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for treating injury or degeneration of retinal neurons, and in particular photoreceptors, by administering glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The invention relates specifically to methods for treating retinal conditions or diseases in which vision is lost such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral vitreoretinopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies, viral retinopathies, ischemic retinopathies, retinal detachment and traumatic retinopathy.

Abstract: Stem cell factor in combination with interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor supports proliferation, differentiation and terminal maturation of erythroid cells from normal human hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention involves a variety of assay methods and devices for screening or diagnosing the occurrence of extrahepatic biliary atresia. In particular the methods and devices involve an antibody specifically for the detection of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in a test sample as indicative of extrahepatic biliary atresia.