Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that block calcium channels having the Formula I shown below. The present invention also provides methods of using the compounds of Formula I to treat stroke, cerebral ischemia, head trauma, or epilepsy and to pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds of Formula I.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia in nociceptive and neuropathic pain is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject an omega conopeptide which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind selectively to omega conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue. Also disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia in nociceptive and neuropathic pain is disclosed. The method includes administering to a subject an omega conopeptide which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind selectively to omega conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue. Also disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulations effective to stabilize omega conotoxin peptide preparations at elevated temperatures. Novel omega conopeptides also form part of the invention.

Abstract: Bax-.omega. polynucleotides and polypeptides, and compositions effective to hybridize to Bax-.omega. polynucleotides are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for altering apoptosis in cells, for promoting cell survival and for identifying compounds capable of affecting the binding of Bax-.omega. to other proteins involved in apoptosis.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel omega conotoxin peptides effective in producing analgesia.

Abstract: A method and compositions for reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition in a mammalian subject are described. The method includes administration of a voltage-gated calcium channel-blocking compound to the subject, 4-24 hours after the onset of the ischemic condition. Such a calcium channel blocking compound is effective to block norepinephrine release in mammalian CNS neuronal cells and is characterized by specific, high affinity binding to omega-conotoxin MVIIA binding sites. Also disclosed are novel peptide structures useful in the treatment method of the invention.

Abstract: A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia and enhancing opiate analgesia is disclosed. The method includes administering TVIA (SNX-185) or MVIIA (SNX-111) omega-conopeptide, or derivative thereof which is characterized by its ability to (a) inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels selectively in neuronal tissue, as evidenced by the peptide's ability to inhibit electrically stimulated contraction of the guinea pig ileum, and (b) bind to omega-conopeptide MVIIA binding sites present in neuronal tissue.

Abstract: A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Abstract: A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are useful for suppressing appetite, and for altering macronutrient preferences, ##STR1## where the R.sub.2 -R.sub.9 substituents are so selected as to meet a defined quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) quantity relating to the partition coefficient of the compound, the net charge on the ring nitrogen, and the radical superfdelocalizability at the position-8 ring carbon.

Abstract: A method of reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition in a human patient, such as stroke-induced damage, by administration of a binding/inhibitory omega-conotoxin peptide.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I are useful for suppressing appetite, for altering macronutrient preferences, for suppressing obsessive-compulsive behavior, and for inhibiting cravings and substance abuse: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are each independently H, hydroxy-alkyl, alpha-cyanoalkyl, SO.sub.3 H, SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2, or C(O)R, where R is OH, NH.sub.2, lower alkoxy, benzyloxy, or aliphatic amino acyl;R.sub.2 and R.sub.9 are each independently H, lower alkyl, benzyl, succinyl, or C(O)R.sub.4, where R.sub.4 is H, lower alkyl, hydrocarboxy-lower alkylene, or lower alkoxycarboxy-lower alkylene; andR.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, and R.sub.8 are each independently H, halo, lower alkyl, hydroxy, lower alkoxy, or two adjacent radicals form methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy;with the proviso that R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, and R.sub.9 are not simultaneously H.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a compound of formula 1, and optionally a mild stimulant, are effective anorectics, where formula 1 is: ##STR1## and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salts, wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, hydroxy, methyl, ethyl, propyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, fluoro, chloro, or bromo.These compounds are effective for reducing appetite globally, or at lower dosage, for altering macronutrient preferences and decreasing substance dependence.