Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: A method of chronic modification of cell barrier properties by exposing a cell to a modification-effective amount of IGF-I for at least about 7 days wherein the modification effective amount is between about 50 .mu.g/kg and less than about 500 .mu.g/kg is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of chronic amelioration or reversal of insulin resistance as well as a method of diagnosing and screening for rhIGF-I sensitive cell barrier properties.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for the prevention or treatment of a human or animal disorder or for the regulation of the human or animal physiological condition are provided. The compositions used comprise, in admixture, a biologically-effective amount of a drug specific for the disorder or condition and a biocompatible, water-soluble, amphiphilic steroid, other than a natural bile salt, which is capable of increasing drug permeability of the human or animal body surface across which the drug is to be administered, in an amount effective to increase the permeability of the surface to the drug.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for the prevention or treatment of a human or animal disorder or for the regulation of a human or animal physiological condition are provided. The compositions used comprise, in admixture, a biologically-effective amount of a drug specific for the disorder or condition and a biocompatible, water-soluble, amphiphilic steroid, other than a natural bile salt, which is capable of increasing drug permeability of the human or animal body surface across which the drug is to be administered, in an amount effective to increase the permeability of the surface to the drug.

Abstract: A composition useful for the treatment of an animal suffering from a predetermined medical disorder including, in admixture, a medically effective amount of a drug, other than an antibiotic, effective against the medical disorder, and a biocompatible, water-soluble, amphiphilic steroid, other than a bile salt, which is capable of increasing the permeability to the drug of a surface of the animal across which the drug is to be administered, in an amount effective to increase the permeability of the surface to the drug.