Abstract: This invention relates to an NSO myeloma cell line which has increased fusion frequency, and to a method of producing said cell line. The NSO cell line of the invention, when fused with B cells, produces monoclonal antibody-secreting hybridoma which has increased resistance to death. In addition, the monoclonal antibodies secreted by said hybridomas have increased affinity for foreign antigens and for autoantigens.

Abstract: The crystallized complex of NADH and Inha enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is presented. Methods of designing inhibitors to the Inha enzyme and subsequent treatment with those inhibitors of infection by M. tuberculosis are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to dihydrodipicolinate reductase crystals and to methods of growing said crystals. This invention is further directed to the utilization of said crystals to determine the three dimensional structure of dihydrodipicolinate reductase. Compounds which inhibit the activity of dihydrodipicolinate reductase in bacteria and in plants can be developed utilizing the three dimensional structure of dihydrodipicolinate reductase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the prevention of monocyte adherence to the endothelial cells lining blood vessels, their subsequent invasion of surrounding tissues and diseases related thereto. It comprises inducing a monocyte adhesion protein to the surface of endothelial cells by treatment with specific cytokines, preparing a monoclonal antibody to the monocyte adhesion protein and contacting the antibody to the protein to form a complex. The monoclonal antibody does not bind to the cell surface proteins VCAM or ELAM. The complex results in a decrease in the adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells and thereby attenuates or prevents the harmful effects of monocyte invasion of endothelial cells and surrounding tissues.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation and use of shortened synthetic chromogranin peptides capable of inhibiting parathyroid hormone secretion. The shortened synthetic chromogranin peptides of the invention are administered to treat hyperparathyroidism and to reverse bone resorption.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of selectively enhancing the analgesic potency of morphine and other clinically used bimodally-acting opioid agonists and simultaneously attenuating development of physical dependence, tolerance and other undesirable side effects caused by the chronic administration of said bimodally-acting opioid agonists comprising the co-administration of a bimodally-acting opioid agonist which activates both inhibitory and excitatory opioid receptor-mediated functions of neurons in the nociceptive (pain) pathways of the nervous system and an opioid receptor antagonist which selectively inactivates excitatory opioid receptor-mediated side effects. This invention also relates to a method of using excitatory opioid receptor antagonists alone to block the undesirable excitatory side effects of endogenous bimodally-acting opioid agonists which may be markedly elevated during chronic pain.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of abrogating sperm motility utilizing the anti-bacterial, anti-viral agents butylurea, Nonoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride. This invention is further directed to anti-bacterial, anti-viral, non-irritating contraceptive compositions, and to methods of enhancing contraceptive capabilities of conventional contraceptive means as well as to enhanced conventional contraceptive means.

Abstract: Genes encoding five immunodeterminant protein antigens of the leprosy parasite Mycobacterium leprae have been isolated. The gene encoding the M. leprae 65kD antigen was sequenced and a lambda gt11 gene sublibrary was constructed with fragments of the gene. Recombinant DNA clones producing specific antigenic determinants were isolated using monoclonal antibodies and the sequences of their insert DNAs were determined with a rapid primer extension method. Amino acid sequences for six different epitopes of the M. leprae protein were elucidated. A peptide containing sequences for one of these epitopes, which is unique to M. leprae, was synthesized and shown to bind the appropriate monoclonal antibody; The approach described here can be used to elucidate rapidly protein epitopes that are recognized by antibodies or T cells. In addition, the well-characterized M. leprae antigens can be used in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to human anti-DNA antibodies. Monoclonal, anti-idiotypic antibodies are produced using hybridoma technology. The antibodies are used as diagnostic reagents in methods to determine the presence of anti-native DNA antibodies in serum from patients suspected of having systemic lupus erythematosus, and as therapeutic reagents in methods to remove the anti-native DNA antibodies from the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for isolation of connective tissue fibers, called biomatrix, containing a significant portion of the extracellular matrix, i.e., basement membrane components and components of the ground substance. The connective tissue fibers isolated by this method provide significantly higher survival and attachment rates, and often significantly improved growth properties, for in vitro cultures of differentiated cells, especially epithelial cells, over current culture substrates which do not contain these fibers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for immunoassay and/or competitive binding assay, wherein an excess amount of unlabeled antigen is added after the start of the reaction between the labeled ligand, the unlabeled ligand, and the binding agent or antibody, to saturate or flood the antibody binding sites. This provides increased sensitivity allowing for more reliable and precise measurements of ligands including antigens than heretofore. The present method extends the scope of applicability of competitive binding technique for assay of hormones, drugs and other compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a development for alleviating the adverse side-effects of taking non-steroid analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin, by also ingesting vitamin A (or B-carotene) formulations. It has been found that vitamin A ingestion has a salutary and therapeutic effect, in that the vitamin A decreases toxicity, including ulcerogenesis, due to ingestion of such agents, e.g. aspirin. Aspirin per se is a very effective medication with pronounced analgesic properties, including the temporary relief of minor aches and pains, and is widely used (in small amounts) with no ill effects. However, since aspirin is a mild anti-coagulant, it sometimes causes bleeding of stomach ulcers, or aggravates pre-existing conditions of that nature. Thus the concomitant administration of vitamin A per se to humans taking aspirin is very effective in decreasing toxicity and inhibiting ulcerogenesis and bleeding in the stomach.

Abstract: An in vitro method for identifying alcoholism and alcohol abuse in humans is disclosed which comprises the isolation and measurement of a unique and stable form of glycosylated hemoglobin.

Abstract: The reversed passive hemagglutination test (RPHA) for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HB.sub.s Ag) is improved by the recognition that the speed of movement towards the periphery of a centrifugal field by immunologically aggregated solid phase support particles, increases proportionally with the amount of antigen present. It is further recognized that this dynamic study can be performed objectively and in an automated fashion by equipment such as the miniature centrifugal fast analyzer. The test performed in this manner and known as "reversed passive hemagglutination by minature centrifugal fast analysis" (RPHA/MCFA) is highly specific and eliminates the need for subsequent confirmational studies. Preliminary studies confirm a sensitivity comparable to other third generation tests.