Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods of potentiating an antibiotic. The invention also includes compositions of an antibiotic and a peptide having units of the formula:(a) (A).sub.n wherein A is Lysine or Arginine and n is an integer with a minimum value of 7.(b) (AB).sub.m wherein A is Lysine or Arginine and B is a hydrophobic amino acid selected from the group consisting of Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan; m is an integer with a minimum value of 3; and(c) (ABC).sub.p wherein A is a cationic amino acid which is Lysine or Arginine; B and C are hydrophobic amino acids which may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan; p is an integer with a minimum value of 2. The compositions have potentiated antibiotic activity.

Abstract: Compositions of lactoferrin, ovotransferrin or serotransferrin in apo or iron-saturated form are provided which have bacterial anti-invasive properties against Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Methods of treatment of epithelial calls and mucosal membranes are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to insulin crystals comprising ASP.sup.B28 and protamine, and pharmaceutical preparations containing same, The crystals and preparations exhibit rapid onset and prolonged activity when administered in vivo.

Abstract: Tachykinin receptor antagonists are useful for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: Insulin formulations containing ligands for the insulin hexamer which bind several orders of magnitude more tightly to the hexamer than chlorine ion or acetate ion. These ligands are aliphatic and aromatic carboxylates having a dissociation constant (K.sub.D) of less than about 5 mM, and preferably less than about 1 mM. The increased tightness of binding conveys additional stability to the insulin hexamers, improving their usefulness in slow release and fast acting formulations (for example, for the treatment of diabetics).

Abstract: Peptides corresponding to amino acid sequences in the C-terminal region of TGF-.beta. are provided. The peptides all contain at least a seven amino acid sequence substantially corresponding to the amino acid sequence of TGF-.beta.1 amino acids 368-374: VYYVGRK, as well as homologs and analogs thereof. The peptides have chemotactic activity towards fibroblasts, monocytes and neutrophils and induce fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. The peptides may be used in compositions and methods for promoting wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides cyclic peptides that recognize the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif characteristic of many integrin ligands. These cyclic RGD-binding peptides, which comprise the motif (W/P)DD(G/L)(W/L)(W/L/M), have a structure that functionally mimics the RGD-binding site on an integrin. The invention further provides an antibody selectively reactive with a cyclic RGD-binding peptide containing the sequence (W/P)DD(G/L)(W/L)(W/L/M). The invention also provides a method to reduce or inhibit cell attachment to an RGD-containing ligand using a cyclic RGD-binding peptide of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a long-acting galenical formulation of GRF peptides, pro-GRF and/or analogs thereof which comprises about 1 to about 100 mg of a GRF peptide, fragment or analog thereof pressed from about 1 to about 100 kg/mm.sup.2 in a tablet for parenteral administration, whereby these GRF peptides are released as the tablet is eroded.

Abstract: Applications of low-frequency (20 KHz) ultrasound enhances transdermal transport of high-molecular weight proteins. This method includes a simultaneous application of ultrasound and protein on the skin surface in order to deliver therapeutic doses of proteins across the skin. Examples demonstrate in vitro and in vivo administration of insulin (molecular weight 6,000 D), and in vitro administration of gamma interferon (molecular weight 17,000 D), and erythropoeitin (molecular weight 48,000 D).

Abstract: Methods of treatment of subjects for decreasing cell mediated autoimmunity or humoral autoimmunity by administering an R'-Glu-Trp-R" pharmaceutical preparation useful in subjects having autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A process for stably producing a zinc oxide thin film by electrolysis with excellent adhesion to a substrate is described. In particular, a zinc oxide thin film suitably used as a light confining layer of a photoelectric conversion element is formed on a conductive substrate by applying a current between a conductive substrate immersed in an aqueous solution containing at least nitrate ions, zinc ions, and a carbohydrate, and an electrode immersed in the solution.

Abstract: Methods for treating conditions associated with elevated, inappropriate or undesired post-prandial blood glucose levels are disclosed which comprise administration of an effective amount of an amylin agonist alone or in conjunction with other anti-gastric emptying agents. Methods for reducing gastric motility and delaying gastric emptying for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to analogs of thymic humoral factor .gamma.2 (THF-.gamma.2) having at least 4 amino acid residues and corresponding to the sequence of THF-.gamma.2 of the formula I:Leu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Pro-Lys-Phe-Leu Ibut differing therefrom by addition, deletion or substitution of one or more amino acid residues, or by cyclization, or by linkage of two or more sequences (I) or modified sequences (I) either directly or through a peptidic or non-peptidic chain.The THF-.gamma.2 analogs of the invention and the functional derivatives and salts thereof are for use as immunomodulatory in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A method is provided for the design and synthesis of Leuteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) antagonists having exact amino acid sequences and containing 5-100 amino acids. This method can be used to produce peptides useful in treating disorders of the reproductive endocrine system, including endometriosis, precocious puberty, prostate cancer and breast cancer. Additionally, peptides produced by this method can be used as contraceptives for either males or females. Peptides produced by this method can further be employed in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Abstract: Novel cyclic CRF antagonist peptides are created by shortening the N-terminus of a CRF family peptide by 8-11 residues and adding an acyl group. CML is preferably present in what would be the 27-position of the native CRF sequence, and D-Tyr may be incorporated at the N-terminus to facilitate labelling. The cyclizing bond is preferably created between the side chains of the residues in positions 30 and 33; but it may alternatively be created between the residues in either of positions 28 and 29 with those in positions 31 and 32 or with those in positions 32 and 33, respectively. The side chain of Lys in position 33 is preferably linked to the side chain of Glu in position 30 by a lactam bridge to form the cyclic peptide. Disclosed CRF antagonists include:(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, CML.sup.27,40, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(9-41),(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.12, Nle.sup.21,38, CML.sup.27,37, Glu.sup.30, Lys.sup.33 !r/hCRF(9-41),(cyclo 30-33) ?Ac-Asp.sup.9, D-Phe.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imparting pathogen resistance to plants. This involves applying a hypersensitive response elicitor polypeptide or protein in a non-infectious form to a plant under conditions where the polypeptide or protein contacts cells of the plant. The present invention is also directed to a pathogen resistant plant and a composition for imparting pathogen resistance to plants.

Abstract: A polypeptide represented by formula (I), and one example of such polypeptide be represented as formula 1 is presented. The above presented polypeptide may be useful in a pharmaceutical composition as an antimicrobial or antiviral agent, specifically as an anti-HIV agent and as a component of the DNA-transfecting systems for gene therapy.

Abstract: This invention identifies a biologically active group of peptide sequences from Type I repeat units of the extracellular matrix protein, human thrombospondin-1, identical or homologous to the sequence, KRFKQDGGWSHWSPWSSC (SEQ ID NO:30). The biological activities residing with the full sequences, portions thereof, and variants of the full or partial sequences are disclosed. The invention describes how biological activity may be enhanced by covalently linking these peptides to suitable carriers, preferably a branched, water-soluble polymer of low (or absent) toxicity and immunogenicity, such as polysucrose (Ficoll.TM.). The invention describes (1) a method for preparing such conjugates, (2) the use of the defined peptides or their conjugates in blocking or modifying the action on cellular processes of heparin (e.g.

Abstract: Methods of treatment of subjects with systemic toxicity by administering an R'-Glu-Trp-R" pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the dimerization of agonists and antagonists of cell surface receptors and particularly to peptide dimers which behave as cell surface receptor agonists in their dimeric form. Such receptors belong to the dimerization-mediated activation class often observed among receptors for growth and differentiation factors. The agonists of this class of receptors is understood to effect dimerization of the receptor and thus signal initiation. The present invention exemplifies dimers of erythropoietin (EPO) agonists and antagonists comprising a core amino acid sequence of X.sub.3 X.sub.4 X.sub.5 GPX.sub.6 TWX.sub.7 X.sub.8 (SEQ ID NO: 1) wherein each amino acid is indicated by standard one letter abbreviation; X.sub.3 can be C, A, .alpha.-amino-.gamma.-bromobutyric acid or Hoc; X.sub.4 can be R, H, L or W; X.sub.5 can be M, F, or I; X.sub.6 is independently selected from any one of the 20 genetically coded L-amino acids or the stereoisomeric D-amino acids; X.sub.