Abstract: The present invention is directed to polynucleotides, polypeptides and peptide fragments thereof, and uses thereof for a novel cDNA sequence which has homology to motilin. Tissue distribution of the mRNA for the novel polypeptide is specific to the stomach, small intestine and pancreas. The present invention further includes agonists, antagonists, antibodies, host cells expressing the cDNA encoding the novel motilin homologs and methods for increasing gastric motility using the novel molecules.

Abstract: A compound and method for using the compound to reduce injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion of mammalian organs such as the heart. The compound, either Deltorphin A and/or Dermorphin H, may be administered as part of a preconditioning strategy which reduces the extent of injury and improves organ function following cessation and restoration of blood flow. The compound may be used in preparation for planned ischemia or in a prophylactic manner in anticipation of further ischemic events.

Abstract: A method of modulating cytokine mediated hepatic injury by administering compound-D SEQ ID NO:1 to a mammal. A concentration of the compound in the range of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg in a physiologically acceptable formulation blocks a cytokine cascade. A therapeutic method of modulating cytokine mediated acute inflammatory, trauma induced and toxin induced hepatic injury, particularly via tumor necrosis factor modulation, is thus disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modulating cytokine mediated hepatic injury by administering deltorphins to a mammal. Deltorphin I SEQ ID NO:1, deltorphin II SEQ ID NO:2 or combinations of deltorphins I SEQ ID NO:1 and II SEQ ID NO:2 may be administered. A deltorphin concentration in the range of about 0.5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg in a physiologically acceptable formulation blocks a cytokine cascade in a murine model of septic shock. A therapeutic method of modulating cytokine mediated acute inflammatory, trauma induced and toxin induced hepatic injury, particularly via tumor necrosis factor modulation, is thus disclosed.

Abstract: A compound and method for using the compound to reduce injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion of mammalian organs such as the heart. The compound may be administered as part of a preconditioning strategy which reduces the extent of injury and improves organ function following cessation and restoration of blood flow. The compound may be used in preparation for planned ischemia or in a prophylactic manner in anticipation of further ischemic events.

Abstract: A method for treating ischemia by administering deltorphins to a mammal. Deltorphin I SEQ ID NO:1, delntorphin II SEQ ID NO:2 or combinations of deltorphins I SEQ ID NO:1 and II SEQ ID NO:2 may be administered. A deltorphin concentration of about 0.5-20 mg/kg body weight, or alternatively a lower concentration of about 1-1000 &mgr;g/kg body weight of the mammal in a physiologically acceptable formulation is administered up to four hours after an ischemic episode. Deltorphins may also be administered prior to or concurrently with onset of ischemia. Cerebral or spinal cord ischemia or ischemic heart disease may be treated using the method of the invention.

Abstract: All lines have been prepared from growth suppressor gene deficient animals. The cells include immortalized precursor cells and differentiated cells such as osteoclast precursors, osteoblast precursors, megakaryocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, pancreatic .alpha.-cells, pancreatic .beta.-cells, pancreatic .delta.-cells, adipocytes, macrophages, chondrocytes, dendritic cells, hepatocytes, myocytes and prostatic cells. The cells are useful for constructing cDNA and protein libraries, screening agonists and antagonists of compounds and factors that affect metabolic pathways of specific cells and generating cell-specific antibodies.