Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a human subject to prevent leakage of serum proteins from capillary endothelial junctions during a period of increased capillary permeability and at the same time preventing the harmful effects of free radicals on capillaries and surrounding tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions useful for the prevention and treatment of sepsis and other conditions such as stroke, reperfusion injury and heart attacks, containing 1) at least one macromolecular polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl starch, dextran, glycogen and mixtures thereof and 2) activated protein C. The compositions can further comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of at least one antioxidant and/or at least one anti-infective. The present invention further provides methods of treating human subjects prior to or during sepsis and other conditions such as stroke, reperfusion injury and heart attacks to prevent leakage of macromolecules from capillary endothelial junctions and simultaneously prevent thrombosis and fibrin formation, reduce inflammation and improve microcirculation by intravenously administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount of the said composition.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of treating a human subject to prevent leakage of serum proteins from capillary endothelial junctions during a period of increased capillary permeability. The invention also provides a method for preventing the harmful effects of free radicals on cellular membranes and other organelles. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl starch and dextran of varying molecular sizes and at least one member of the group consisting of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, hydroxyethyl rutoside, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and vitamin C. The compositions contain the macromolecules in a molecular size and concentration to effectively stabilize the capillary membrane.

Abstract: A method of relieving neck, upper back, shoulder and arm pain due to injury, degenerative and inflammatory diseases, tumors, infections or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae by having the subject having such pain wear a neck collar which is held securely around the neck and under the wearer's chin that permits lateral head motion but prevents downward flexion of the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a sleeping person from snoring while permitting normal, comfortable sleep, having a flexible shaped body means designed to be worn in proximity to the user's neck and beneath the user's chin. Said shaped body means is designed to restrict the user's forward cervical vertebral flexion, while permitting substantial flexibility of the neck in other directions to maximize comfort and permit normal sleep. The shaped body means has a first end and a second end restrained within proximity to a plane tangential to the rear of the user's neck by a connecting device, yet displaced from immediate proximity to the back of the neck and head whereby said first and second ends of said body means do not encroach between said user's neck and the associated bedding, thereby permitting normal repose.

Abstract: There is provided a method of treating a human subject to prevent leakage of serum proteins from capillary endothelial junctions during a period of increased capillary permeability. The method comprises administering to a subject an effective amount of a composition containing hydroxyethyl starch, dextran or hydroxyethyl starch and dextran. The compositions contain these macromolecules in a molecular size and concentration to effectively seal the capillary junctions and stabilize the capillary membranes. The sealant effect is accomplished by a biophysical process due to the adhesiveness and configuration of the macromolecules, and because of their size. There is also provided a means of treating viral and other bacterial infections and cancer, by introducing into the composition of polysaccharide(s) a biological agent, preferably interleukin-2.

Abstract: A method is provided for studying capillary circulation utilizing intravital microscopy. The method comprises providing an intact living Salmonid or other Teleost alevin with yolk sac attached in a small water filled plastic bag or tube for immobilizing the fish fry. Thereafter there is injected into the yolk sac, a fluorescent dye complex and tracer FITC-DX (MW 150,000 daltons) and the absorption of the injected material into the systemic circulation of said living Salmonid or Teleost alevin tracked by means of fluorescent microscopy. The method can be used for carrying out toxicological pharmacological, physiological, embryological, oncological, pathological, etc. studies.