Abstract: Pentapeptides are disclosed which are capable of regulating the function of cells of the mammalian immune and/or nervous system. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the peptides and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for (a) stimulating the growth of hair in warm-blooded animals, (b) increasing subcutaneous fat in warm-blooded animals, and (c) increasing the density of hair follicles in warm-blooded animals are disclosed. The methods utilize an effective amount of a composition comprising a derivative of GHL-Cu.

Abstract: A method of treating erectile dysfunctions in mammals and men, by administering to the mammal or man a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and methods for the treatment of psoriasis.

Abstract: New immunosuppressive cyclosporin analogs are disclosed consisting of [dehydro-Ala].sup.8 cyclosporins and derived therefrom cyclosporins having a sulfur containing amino acid at position-8.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating SRIF activity as well as enhancing the reproductive performance and immunological function in vertebrates are disclosed. Compositions containing SRIF-related peptides or antibodies thereto can be administered to animals to modulate endogenous SRIF-like activity. The SRIF-related peptides can be linked to a carrier such as ovalbumin, and administered in an Al(OH).sub.3 adjuvant, to enhance the immunogenicity of the SRIF-related peptides.

Abstract: The 3-O-[N-acetylmuramyl-D-isoglutaminyl]-1,2-di-O-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol derivative of formula I ##STR1## wherein the carbon atom marked with an asterisk * has the R or, respectively, the S configuration, possesses interesting pharmacological, in particular immunomodulating properties. It is particularly useful as an immunomodulant, as an adjuvant in vaccines and as a suppressing agent for IgE formation in e.g. type I allergies and atopical dermatitises.It is obtained by deprotection of a corresponding compound having one or more hydroxy group(s) in protected form.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one biologically active amphiphilic peptide or protein, said peptide or protein being an ion channel-forming peptide or protein, and an antibiotic which inhibits DNA gyrase. The biologically active amphiphilic peptide and the antibiotic which inhibits DNA gyrase may be administered in amounts effective to inhibit growth of a target cell such as a bacterium.

Abstract: New insulin analogues have now been synthesized and found to be hepatospecific. These insulin analogues contain substitutions for oneThis invention was made with government support under grant #DK-12925 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: The specification relates to a synthetic peptide converted into a salt comprising one or more amine groups and capable of potentiating in vivo the primary and secondary antibody response to thymo-dependent and thymo-independent antigens having low immunogenicity.Injectable preparations comprising a solution of the peptide in a pharmacologically acceptable solvent are particularly useful as adjuvants in therapy.

Abstract: An alkyl ester of dipeptide consisting essentially of natural or synthetic L-amino acids with hydrophobic side chains. Preferable amino acids are leucine, phenylalanine valine, isoleucine, alanine, proline, glycine or aspartic acid beta methyl ester. Preferable dipeptides are L leucyl L-leucine, L-leucyl L-phenylalanine, L-valyl L-phenylalanine, L-leucyl L-isoleucine, L-phenylalanyl L-phenylalanine, L-valyl L-leucine, L-leucyl L-alanine, L-leucine, L-leucyl L-valine, L-phenylalanyl L-valine, L glycyl L-leucine, L-leucyl L-glycine or L-aspartyl beta methyl ester L-phenylalaine. Most preferable dipeptides are L-leucyl L-leucine, L-leucyl L-phenylalanine, L-valyl L-phenylalanine, L-phenylalanyl L-leucine, L-leucyl L-isoleucine, L-phenylalanyl L-phenylalanine and L-valyl L-leucine.The alkyl ester of the dipeptide is most preferably a methyl ester and may also be an ethyl ester or alkyl of up to about four carbon atoms such as propyl, isopropyl, butyl or isobutyl.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment of cerebral edema are provided wherein the composition comprises an atrial natriuretic peptide having an amino acid sequence of 28 amino acids and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient.

Abstract: A peptide having immunoreactivity with an antibody specific to a hepatitis B virus, containing one of the following amino acid sequences:(1) Asp-Cys-Val-Phe-Lys-Asp-Trp-Glu-Glu-Leu-Gly-Glu-Glu-Ile-Arg-Leu-Lys-Val-Ph e-Val-Leu-Gly-Gly-Cys,(2) Asp-Cys-Val-Phe-Lys-Asp-Trp-Glu-Glu-Leu-Gly-Glu-Glu-Ile-Arg-Leu-Met-Ile-Ph e-Val-Leu-Gly-Gly-Cys or(3) Asp-Cys-Leu-Phe-Lys-Asp-Trp-Glu-Glu-Leu-Gly-Glu-Glu-Ile-Arg-Leu-Lys-Val-Ph e-Val-Leu-Gly-Gly-Cys.

Abstract: Atrial natriuretic factor analogs containing N-alkylated amino acids and showing enhanced potency and increased metabolic stability. These analogs have natriuretic, diuretic and vasorelaxant activity, making them suitable for treating congestive heart failure and renal hypertension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing a multiple synthesis of peptides on a solid carrier. Active components are successively bonded to functional groups anchored on a carrier. The carrier planar functionalized porous material divided into compartments, into which the needed activated component is put. Common operations of the synthesis are carried out by all compartments of the carrier at the same time.

Abstract: In solid phase peptide synthesis, resin-bound peptide is treated with hydrogen fluoride so as to cleave the peptide from the resin and form a first mixture of peptide, hydrogen fluoride and resin. The resin is removed from the first mixture so as to provide a resin-free second mixture including the polypeptide and the hydrogen fluoride. The polypeptide of the second mixture then is separated from the hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel renin-inhibitory peptides which are useful for treating renin-associated hypertension, congestive heart failure, hyperaldosteronism, glaucoma and diseases caused by retroviruses. Processes for preparing the peptides novel intermediates in the processes, compositions containing them, and methods of using them are included. Also included is a diagnostic method which uses the compounds to determine the presence of renin-associated hypertension, or hyperaldosteronism.

Abstract: A stabilized complex comprising a growth hormone and an aromatic aldehyde. Specifically, the complex comprises porcine somatotropin and a substituted benzaldehyde and to a method of providing a prolonged release of the somatotropin and improved feed efficiency in animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel uses for inhibin, inhibin .alpha. subunit, activin inhibin or activin antagonists and compositions comprising them in the treatment or prevention of immune dysfunction and blood clotting disorders.Methods of treatment include administration of the required agent to a host, immunization of the host with the agent or passive immunization using antibodies raised against one of these agents.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of allergic reactions are provided, wherein a pharmaceutically effective dose of gamma interferon is administered to a patient within a predetermined temporal period prior to or following exposure to an allergen.