Abstract: Disclosed is a method of promoting the maturation of monocytes comprising the administration of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor or scavenger and at least one monocyte maturation-promoting agent. A composition for promoting the maturation of monocytes is likewise disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition includes a compound effective to promote the maturation of monocytes and a ROS inhibitor or scavenger combined in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of promoting the maturation of monocytes comprising the administration of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor or scavenger and at least one monocyte maturation-promoting agent. A composition for promoting the maturation of monocytes is likewise disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition includes a compound effective to promote the maturation of monocytes and a ROS inhibitor or scavenger combined in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of promoting the maturation of monocytes comprising the administration of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor or scavenger and at least one monocyte maturation-promoting agent. A composition for promoting the maturation of monocytes is likewise disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition includes a compound effective to promote the maturation of monocytes and a ROS inhibitor or scavenger combined in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) released by phagocytic or endothelial cells in response to various disease states or pathologies. The methods of the present invention are useful in preventing and treating a variety of disease states or pathological situations in which ROMs are produced and released. The methods of the present invention contemplate reducing ROM-mediated damage by reducing the production and release of ROMs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the preparation of pharmaceutical grades of histamine dihydrochloride using a two step non-enzymatic synthetic method. The invention disclosed herein describes the synthesis of histamine dihydrochloride by the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine and the step-wise conversion of the decarboxylated product to the dihydrochloride salt form. The invention disclosed herein considers a final product of histamine dihydrochloride containing less than each of the following: 0.8% L-histidine HCl monohydrate, 0.1% individual chromatographic impurities, and 2% total impurities, to be acceptable for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining beneficial stable levels of circulating histamine are disclosed for use in methods for enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity and for elevating histamine levels in individuals in need thereof. In such methods, a beneficial level of circulating histamine is attained and an agent whose ability to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity is augmented by histamine is administered. Alternatively, stable beneficial levels of circulating histamine can be attained in subjects receiving chemotherapy or antiviral treatment. The invention may also be employed in treatments combining histamine, agents which enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and chemotherapeutic agents. Optimization of the delivery of histamine and substances which induce the release of endogenous histamine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition for use in reducing ocular irritation comprising histamine, at a concentration of between about 0.01 and 1.0% by weight, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adapted for ophthalmic administration.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the preparation of pharmaceutical grades of histamine dihydrochloride using a two step non-enzymatic synthetic method. The invention disclosed herein describes the synthesis of histamine dihydrochloride by the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine and the step-wise conversion of the decarboxylated product to the dihydrochloride salt form. The invention disclosed herein considers a final product of histamine dihydrochloride containing less than each of the following: 0.8% L-histidine HCl monohydrate, 0.1% individual chromatographic impurities, and 2% total impurities, to be acceptable for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating cancer in which histamine is administered in conjunction with other cancer therapies. The cancer therapy includes surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, the administration of an agent which enhances the humoral immune response of the patient or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) released by phagocytic or endothelial cells in response to various disease states or pathologies. The methods of the present invention are useful in preventing and treating a variety of disease states or pathological situations in which ROMs are produced and released. The methods of the present invention contemplate reducing ROM-mediated damage by reducing the production and release of ROMs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) released by phagocytic or endothelial cells in response to various infectious disease states or pathologies. The methods of the present invention contemplate reducing ROM-mediated damage by reducing the production and release of ROMs.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to the preparation of pharmaceutical grades of histamine dihydrochloride using a two step non-enzymatic synthetic method. The invention disclosed herein describes the synthesis of histamine dihydrochloride by the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine and the step-wise conversion of the decarboxylated product to the dihydrochloride salt form. The invention disclosed herein considers a final product of histamine dihydrochloride containing less than each of the following: 0.8% L-histidine HCl monohydrate, 0.1% individual chromatographic impurities, and 2% total impurities, to be acceptable for pharmaceutical use.

Abstract: A method for providing activated natural killer (NK) cells comprising the steps of administering to a population of cells which includes lymphocytes and monocytes, an effective amount of an NK cell activating cytokine or a NK cell activating flavonoid, wherein said NK cell activating cytokine is not IL-2 or IFN-&agr;; and administering a compound effective to inhibit the production or release of hydrogen peroxide selected from the group consisting of histamine, other H2 receptor agonists, and serotonin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cell damage caused by reactive oxygen species in relation to a variety of skin disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment skin disorders through the topical delivery of reactive oxygen metabolite production or release inhibiting compounds.

Abstract: In a method of treating a viral infection involving activation of NK cells, the improvement comprising administering to a patient receiving such treatment an effective NK-cell-activity facilitating amount of a histamine H2 or 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cell damage caused by reactive oxygen species in relation to a variety of skin disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to the treatment skin disorders through the topical delivery of reactive oxygen metabolite production or release inhibiting compounds.

Abstract: A method for treating neoplastic disease comprising the steps of: administering to a patient receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy, an effective amount of an NK cell activating cytokine or an NK cell activating flavonoid, wherein said NK cell activating cytokine is not IL-2 or IFN-&agr;; and administering to the patient a compound effective to inhibit the production or release of intracellular hydrogen peroxide selected from the group consisting of histamine, other H2 receptor agonists, and serotonin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing and/or reducing cellular and tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) released by phagocytic or endothelial cells in response to various disease states or pathologies. The methods of the present invention are useful in preventing and treating a variety of disease states or pathological situations in which ROMs are produced and released. The methods of the present invention contemplate reducing ROM-mediated damage by reducing the production and release of ROMs.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining beneficial stable levels of circulating histamine are disclosed for use in methods for enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity. In such methods, a beneficial level of circulating histamine is attained and an agent whose ability to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity is augmented by histamine is administered. Alternatively, stable beneficial levels of circulating histamine can be attained in subjects receiving chemotherapy or antiviral treatment. The invention may also be employed in treatments combining histamine, agents which enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and chemotherapeutic agents. Optimization of the delivery of histamine and substances which induce the release of endogenous histamine are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for treatment of cancer and infectious disease comprises administering a first composition containing interferon-.alpha. or analogues thereof, together with a second composition containing at least one substance with H.sub.2, or 5-HT.sub.1A, receptor agonist activity, for example, histamine or serotonin. The first and second compositions are either mixed in a preparation or furnished in separate doses.