Abstract: A non-invasive method and system for assessing intraocular pressure (ICP) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of measuring venous outflow pressure (VOP) using a venous ophthalmodynamometer device (vODM); measuring ophthalmic r central retinal arterial blood flow using color Doppler imaging device; and then estimating ICP using venous outflow data from the vODM and pulsatility and/or resistivity relationships derived from the Doppler imaging data. Further disclosed is a novel vODM for measuring VOP in low flow veins.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for preventing or treating tissue ischemia using CXCR4 antagonists. In one embodiment, the methods include administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a particular bicylic polyamine to elevate peripheral blood EPCs. The invention has a wide spectrum of applications including reducing or eliminating tissue ishemica associated with a myocardial infarct (heart attack).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating, preventing, or reducing reperfusion injury or post-pump syndrome by administering an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated vascular permeability.

Abstract: Compositions comprising 5-methoxy-carbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine compounds and derivatives thereof for the treatment of depression are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of conditions associated with vascular insufficiency, and to methods and compositions for screening assays to select agents that are useful for this purpose. In particular the invention relates to HMG CoA reductase inhibitors and their use in promoting angiogenesis in vivo and in activating Akt in vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of conditions associated with vascular insufficiency, and to methods and compositions for screening assays to select agents that are useful for this purpose. In particular the invention relates to HMG CoA reductase inhibitors and their use in promoting angiogenesis in vivo and in activating Akt in vascular endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for modulating formation of new blood vessels. In one embodiment, the methods include administering to a mammal an effective amount of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) sufficient to form the new blood vessels. Additionally provided are methods for preventing or reducing the severity of blood vessel damage in a mammal which methods preferably include administering to the mammal an effective amount of GM-CSF. Provided also as part of this invention are pharmaceutical products and kits for inducing formation of new blood vessels in the mammal.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical products are provided comprising EC progenitors for use in methods for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., for enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting an angiogenesis modulator to specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g., anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the treatment of depression in a human being identified as having depression. This method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective depression treatment amount of M-3 agonists, 5-MCA-NAT or an analog, to said human being. The 5-MCA-NAT, or an analog, thereof may be administered alone or in combination with other agents, as Ca++ antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting the growth of new lymph vessels (lymphangiogenesis). Generally, such methods include administering at least one vascular endothelian factor (VEGF) such as VEGF-2. In one embodiment, therapeutic methods for treating lymphedema and related disorders in a human patient are disclosed. The VEGF can be provided by any suitable means including direct injection of a nucleic acid encoding same or an active fragment thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical products for promoting lymphangiogenesis as well as a test system for screening compounds capable of inducing new lymph vessel growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing reendothelialization of the lining of an injured blood vessel comprising contacting the injured portion of the vessel with nucleic acid encoding an endothelial cell mitogen operably linked to a promoter (nucleic acid cassette) to result in expression of the mitogen when delivered to the cells at the site of vascular injury. The resulting reendothelialization of the injured blood vessel inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and consequently reduces restenosis. The methods of the present invention may be used to treat any blood vessel injury that results in denuding of the endothelial lining of the vessel wall, including, for example, those injuries resulting from balloon angioplasty and deployment of endovascular stents.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing angiogenesis in a mammal using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF") are provided. In the methods, HGF can be administered to mammals suffering from, for instance, vascular insufficiency or arterial occlusive disease. Articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating ischemic tissue in a mammal which comprises injecting said tissue with an effective amount of a nucleic acid capable of expressing an angiogenic protein. The method of the present invention may be used to treat any ischemic tissue, i.e., a tissue having a deficiency in blood as the result of an ischemic disease. Such tissues can include, for example, muscle, brain, kidney and lung. Ischemic diseases include, for example, cerebrovascular ischemia, renal ischemia, pulmonary ischemia, limb ischemia, ischemic cardiomyopathy and myocardial ischemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treatment of hypertension in a mammal, particularly a human being. This method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective hypertension treatment amount of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) to the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treatment of depression in a human being identified as having depression. This method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective depression treatment amount of N-acetyl-serotonin (NAS), also referred to as N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, to a human being identified as having depression. The NAS may be administered alone or in combination with other agents, e.g., Ca.sup.++ antagonists.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targetting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing reendothelialization of the lining of an injured blood vessel comprising contacting the injured portion of the vessel with nucleic acid encoding an endothelial cell mitogen such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) operably linked to a promoter to result in expression of the mitogen when delivered to the cells at the site of vascular injury. The resulting reendothelialization of the injured blood vessel inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and consequently reduces restenosis. The methods of the present invention may be used to treat any blood vessel injury that results in denuding of the endothelial lining of the vessel wall, including, for example, those injuries resulting from balloon angioplasty and deployment of endovascular stents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the delivery of a nucleic acid to an arterial cell comprising contacting the cell with a hydrophilic polymer incorporating the nucleic acid. The nucleic acid may be any nucleic acid, including antisense DNA or RNA. The nucleic acid may encode hormones, enzymes, receptors or drugs of interest. The nucleic acid is selected based upon the desired therapeutic outcome. For example, in the treatment of ischemic diseases, one would select a DNA encoding an angiogenic protein. The nucleic acid may be carried by a microdelivery vehicle such as cationic liposomes and adenoviral vectors. DNA encoding different proteins may be used separately or simultaneously.