Abstract: A novel neurotrophic factor referred to as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been identified and isolated from serum free growth conditioned medium of B49 glioblastoma cells. Rat and human genes encoding GDNF have been cloned and sequenced. A gene encoding GDNF has been subcloned into a vector, and the vector has been used to transform a host cell in order to produce biologically active GDNF in a recombinant DNA process.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a growth hormone and histidine or a derivative of histidine as additive or buffering substance shows a very high stability against deamidation, oxidation and cleavage of peptide bonds. The stability of the product allows for the storing and shipment thereof in a lyophilized state or in the form of a dissolved or re-dissolved preparation at ambient temperature. Crystallization of growth hormone in the presence of histidine or a derivative thereof gives rise to a higher yield of crystals having a higher purity than known methods.

Abstract: Protein isolates having a high protein content and low residual fat content are provided in substantially non-denatured form by extracting an oil seed meal having a significant fat content, particularly canola meal, with an aqueous food grade salt solution to cause solubilization of protein and fat in the oil seed meal and form an aqueous protein solution. Following separation of this solution from the residual oil seed meal, fat is removed from the aqueous protein solution by chilling the aqueous protein solution and removing the fat which separates. The protein concentration of the defatted protein solution is increased while the ionic strength is maintained substantially constant. A further fat removal operation may be carried out on the concentrated protein solution followed by dilution to an ionic strength below about 0.2 to cause the formation of discrete protein particles in the aqueous phase in the form of protein micelles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the sensitivity and accuracy of a lead assay. The method enhances the recovery of lead during isolation of the lead from interfering compounds by maintaining the lead in a sample solution and making the recovered lead available for detection by the assay. An enhancing reagent complexes with the lead isolated in the sample solution. The enhancer includes a chelator having a lead equilibrium binding constant in the range of about 4 log K to about 13 log K. A kit for performing such a lead assay is also provided.

Abstract: The hexapeptide Phe--Leu--Gly--Phe--Pro--Thr, which is derived from a myelopeptide, exhibits immunostimulatory activity when administered to a mammal.

Abstract: Pulmonary administration of Ciclosporin in orthorhombic crystal form (designated "CY-A/X-III"), e.g. for the treatment of obstructive or inflammatory airways disease, e.g. asthma, as well as crystalline Ciclosporin, e.g. CY-A/X-III, in spheroidal particulate form, processes for its preparation and its pharmaceutical use, e.g. for pulmonary administration. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising CY-A/X-III and crystalline Ciclosporin, e.g. CY-A/X-III, in spheroidal particulate form as well as Ciclosporin in solution in aerosol propellants are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant processes for preparing insulin analogs modified at position 29 of the B-chain and, optionally, at other positions are claimed. The analogs produced using the claimed processes have modified physico-chemical properties and are useful in treating hyperglycemia.

Abstract: Improved polyacrylamide-type gels utilizing diacrylyl tertiary amide crosslinkers are disclosed having relatively high monomer:crosslinker ratios in comparison to conventional polyacrylamide gels. The resulting gels have pore structures chemically and physically different from conventional polyacrylamide gels and, when prepared in the optimal monomer:crosslinker ratio, provide superior resolution and structural characteristics over the conventional polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract: A subject suffering from ischemic shock is treated by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of aFGF as the active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition further containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing secretory protein production. In another aspect, the present invention provides compositions for use in methods of treating and diagnosing protein trafficking disorders. These methods generally involve the alteration of calnexin activity to increase protein secretion or retention.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel biologically active molecules which bind to and inhibit thrombin. Specifically, these molecules are characterized by a thrombin anion-binding exosite association moiety (ABEAM); a linker portion of at least 18 .ANG. in length; and a thrombin catalytic site-directed moiety (CSDM). This invention also relates to compositions, combinations and methods which employ these molecules for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting ovarian steroidogenesis in women comprising administering to women an ovarian steroidogenesis inhibitorilly effective amound of D Ser (tbu).sup.6 des Gly NH.sub.2 .sup.10 LH-RH ethylamide.

Abstract: A method of treating primary and recurrent atheromatous plaque development is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of SERP-1, admixed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the intimal or lumenal layer of arterial walls. Biologically active SERP-1 analogs are also provided.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of side chain derivatives of cyclohexapeptidyl lipopeptides represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is fully defined, is disclosed.

Abstract: 4-substituted cyclohexylamine derivatives which are thrombin catalytic site inhibitors and which are useful as anticoagulants. These compounds show selectivity for thrombin over other trypsin-like enzymes and have oral bioavailability.

Abstract: This invention provides a compound comprising:(1) a polypeptide moiety havinga) an identifying number of amino acids for SPAAT,b) an elastase binding activity; and(2) an extracellular matrix protein bound to the polypeptide moiety.Also provided is a method of inhibiting an elastase comprising contacting the elastase with a polypeptide moiety having:(1) an identifying number of amino acids for SPAAT;(2) a collagen binding activity; and(3) elastase binding activity.

Abstract: A GE3 compound of the formula (I) having antibacterial and antitumor properties: ##STR1##

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating muscle growth or differentiation in a vertebrate are disclosed. Such compositions include a muscle-trophic amount of interleukin-15 and can be used to treat a variety of conditions including disuse atrophy, wasting, various age-related disorders, secondary effects of diabetes, including glucose-intolerance, as well as muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyosarcoma and congestive heart failure. The compositions and methods of the invention find agricultural use in increasing the efficiency of meat and milk production of farm animals.

Abstract: A new method for purifying Factor VIII complex from an impure protein fraction, usually cryoprecipitate, is disclosed. The cryoprecipitate is dissolved in a heparin solution. Then Factor VIII complex is initially purified by polyethylene glycol precipitation. The Factor VIII containing supernatant collected after the precipitation is loaded into an anion exchange column that has a quaternary amino ethyl group. The Factor VIII complex is then eluted from the column with a buffer comprising from about 0.14M to about 0.20M CaCl.sub.2. The final step in the purification is to precipitate the Factor VIII complex in the presence of glycine and sodium chloride. The precipitated Factor VIII complex is then reconstituted and stabilized. The reconstituted Factor VIII complex can then be lyophilized and dry heated to obtain a final Factor VIII product.

Abstract: This invention relates to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein fragments which have antiviral activity, and particularly relates to HIV peptides derived from the HIV transmembrane glycoprotein (gp41) which inhibit HIV-induced cell-cell fusion. This invention further relates to methods for the inhibition of enveloped viral infection, and to methods that modulate biochemical processes which involve coiled coil peptide interactions.