Abstract: There is described an isolated vascular endothelial cell growth factor selected from the group consisting of bovine vascular endothelial cell growth factor of 120 amino acids and human vascular endothelial cell growth factor of 121 amino acids. The vascular endothelial cell growth factor is useful in the treatment of wounds in which neovascularization or reendothelialization is required for healing.

Abstract: Various specific human SP-18 and human SP-5 derived peptides have alveolar surfactant protein (ASP) activity. These peptides are prepared using synthetic methods or by recombinant techniques.

Abstract: DNA sequences are provided which encode a form of basic fibroblast growth factor lacking one of the alanine residues immediately following the N-terminal methionine residue of the primary translation product. The DNA sequences can be expressed to produce basic fibroblast growth factor having a homogeneous N-terminus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of isolating and purifying proteins such as fibroblast growth factor using metal chelate affinity column chromatography and without the use of heparin. Also disclosed is a method of recovering bFGF multimers and purifying bFGF using metal chelate affinity column chromatography in the absence of heparin.

Abstract: Treatment of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with organic disulfides, preferably glutathione disulfide, or with inorganic compounds of similar function results in a bFGF composition of enhanced stability and resistance to multimerization. The resulting stabilized form mimics the chromatographic behavior of bFGF as isolated from bovine pituitary.

Abstract: The cDNA sequence encoding porcine brain natriuretic peptide and related genes encoding canine and human peptides with natriuretic activity are disclosed. The gene is shown to make accessible the DNAs encoding analogous natriuretic peptides in other vertebrate species. The genes encoding these NPs can be used to effect modifications of the sequence to produce alternate forms of the NPs and to provide practical amounts of these proteins. The NPs of the invention can also be synthesized chemically. The invention peptides have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR2## or a 10- to 109-amino acid sequence shown as the native upstream sequence for porcine, canine or human NP in FIG. 6, or a composite thereof;R.sup.2 is (OH), NH.sub.2, or NR'R" wherein R' and R" are independently lower alkyl (1-4C) or is ##STR3## or the amides (NH.sub.2 or NR'R") thereof, with the proviso that if formula (1) isR.sup.

Abstract: Various specific human SP-18 and human SP-5 derived peptides have alveolar surfactant protein (ASP) activity. These peptides are prepared using synthetic methods or by recombinant techniques. The peptides of the invention include surfactant proteins having serine replacements for the cysteines.

Abstract: An expression system for recombinant production of a desired protein comprises CHO cells transformed with a DNA sequence having the desired protein coding sequence under control of the human metallothionein-II promoter. The cells can be maintained on serum-free medium and induced in the presence of an induction mediator. In addition, the system may include an enhancer element and/or a resistance-conferring gene to provide increased levels of expression. The system can process genomic as well as intronless DNA, and is capable of producing proteins which have the same characteristics as those obtained from native sources. Human growth hormone which is indistinguishable from that produced by the pituitary has been thus produced.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising synthetic analogs of Atrial Natriuretic Peptides are provided, together with methods for their production and use as natriuretics, diuretics and/or vasodilators, or as intermediates for or modulators of such useful compounds or of native Atrial Natriuretic Peptides.

Abstract: A method for parenteral administration of fat-soluble pharmaceuticals and vitamins using microemulsions is disclosed. The microemulsions are comprised of a naturally occurring amphipatic substance and a hydrophobic lipid along with the active ingredient, are size selected for 300-1000 .ANG. pseudomicelles, and permit safe intravenous injection of the active ingredient. Levels of the active ingredient in the various lipoprotein fractions of serum appear to mimic the natural distribution of the administered drug if taken orally.

Abstract: Pharmaceutically active substances are administered in aerosol form by applying to a mucosal surface of the body a composition comprising a medically effective amount of a pharmaceutically active substance, a biocompatible amphiphilac steroid and a bicompatible (hydro/fluoro)carbon propellant.

Abstract: Compositions for the administration of protein or peptide drugs across membranes show low toxicity and efficient permeation when the medium is a mixture of a bile salt or fusidate with a nonionic detergent. Various specific compositions are exemplified.

Abstract: A method of producing a purified lipid-binding peptide which can bind to phospholipids at one or more amphipatic alpha-helical peptide regions. The method includes providing a gene coding for the peptide, and introducing the gene in expressible, heterologous form in a suitable expression system capable of synthesizing a mixture of peptides which includes the lipid-binding peptide. Addition of either endogenous or exogenous lipids to the peptide mixture forms a low-density lipopeptide complex composed of lipid and the lipid-binding peptide, and this complex can be separated easily from nonlipid-binding peptides in the peptide on the basis of its size and/or density. The method is intended particularly for scaled-up production of purified human apolipoproteins and their alpha-helical lipid-binding regions. Also disclosed are related methods for producing recombinant apolipoproteins, therapeutic lipopeptide compositions, and a stabilized lipid emulsion for nutritional therapy.

Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising cyclic synthetic analogs of Atrial Natriuretic Peptides are provided, together with methods for their production and use as natriuretics, diuretics and/or vasodilators, or as intermediates for or modulators of such useful compounds or of native Atrial Natriuretic Peptides.

Abstract: The complete coding sequences and amino acid sequences for both canine and human 32K alveolar surfactant proteins (ASP) are disclosed; clones for the 10K protein have also been obtained. Methods and vectors for obtaining these proteins in recombinant form are described. The availability of large amounts of these proteins through recombinant techniques permits the use of ASP in suitable pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of respiratory deficiency syndromes.

Abstract: The complete coding sequences and amino acid sequences for both canine and human 32K alveolar surfactant proteins (ASP) are disclosed; clones for the 10K protein have also been obtained. Methods and vectors for obtaining these proteins in recombinant form are described. The availability of large amounts of these proteins through recombinant techniques permits the use of ASP in suitable pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of respiratory deficiency syndromes.

Abstract: Polymorphisms in the renin, kallikrein, and ANF gene regions are predictive for hypertension in individual human subjects.

Abstract: A fused protein for use in an enzyme immunoassay system. The protein comprises an enzymatically active .beta.-galactosidase fused, at its C terminus, to an immunologically active peptide. The protein is produced using a plasmid containing a complete .beta.-galactosidase gene fused, at its 3' end, with an oligonucleotide coding for the peptide. The fused protein is designed for use in a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay system, based on immunospecific binding of the fused protein to a solid support, or in a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay system, based on enzyme inhibition resulting from immunospecific binding of an antibody to the protein.

Abstract: The complete coding sequences and amino acid sequences for both canine and human alveolar surfactant protein (ASP) are disclosed. Methods and vectors for obtaining these proteins in recombinant form are described. The availability of large amounts of these proteins through recombinant techniques permits the use of ASP in suitable pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment of respiratory deficiency syndromes.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for a protein associated with a lung surfactant complex, decreased levels of which are related to respiratory distress syndrome, are disclosed. The antibodies are useful for prediction and diagnosis of respiratory problems in newborns.