Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions that can be used in the treatment of inflammation, pain and cardiovascular disorders. Methods and compositions are described involving the combination of a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist and an inhibitor specific for cyclooxygenase-2.

Abstract: A device for intermittent compression of human extremities such as, for instance, the region of the calves, to assist the return of body fluid in the direction of the heart. The device comprises a cuff and a pressure generator, which intermittently pressurizes the cuff, the cuff comprising in the direction of return a width of maximally 25 centimeters. The device further comprises a pressure generator that can be secured directly to the cuff or secured to the body or to clothing. This highly compact, handy configuration enables mobile application of the device in every-day situations to assist physical well-being.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions characterized by excessive activity of substance P. The treatment involves administering peptidases that recognize and selectively cleave polypeptides at Xaa-Pro sequences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to agonists of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or PYY that are formed by combining these peptides or a portion of these peptides with a template that promotes biologically active folds. Typically, templates consist of cyclized peptides containing one or more naphthyl ring structures. The agonists may be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions known to be responsive to NPY or PYY and, particularly in the treatment of asthma, rhinitis, and bronchitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating mucosal inflammation associated with rhinitis or sinusitis by administering peptidases that recognize and cleave polypeptides at Xaa-Pro sequences. In addition, the invention encompasses therapeutic packages in which pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptidases are preloaded in a device suitable for intranasally delivering drug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treating mucosal inflammation associated with rhinitis or sinusitis by administering peptidases that recognize and cleave polypeptides at Xaa-Pro sequences. In addition, the invention encompasses therapeutic packages in which pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptidases are preloaded in a device suitable for intranasally delivering drug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to agonists of neuropeptide Y (NPY) or PYY that are formed by combining these peptides or a portion of these peptides with a template that promotes biologically active folds. Typically, templates consist of cyclized peptides containing one or more naphthyl ring structures. The agonists may be used in the treatment of diseases and conditions known to be responsive to NPY or PYY and, particularly in the treatment of asthma, rhinitis, and bronchitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transgenic animals which have been engineered by homologous recombination to be deficient in the expression of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor. The invention encompasses the DNA constructs and engineered embryonic stem cells used to produce the animals, the transgenic animals themselves, and assays which utilize either the animals or tissues derived from the animals.

Abstract: The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is measured in biological samples as body fluids. ACE-activity is estimated in minimally diluted specimens, using the natural substrate angiotensin I at close to physiological concentration. Femtomoles of generated angiotensin II are trapped by specific high affinity monoclonal antibodies and thus protected from degradation by angiotensinases during the incubation step. The same antibodies are subsequently used for quantitation by radioimmunoassay.

Abstract: The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is measured in biological samples as body fluids. ACE-activity is estimated in minimally diluted specimens, using the natural substrate angiotensin I at close to physiological concentration. Femtomoles of generated angiotensin II are trapped by specific high affinity monoclonal antibodies and thus protected from degradation by angiotensinases during the incubation step. The same antibodies are subsequently used for quantitation by radioimmunoassay.