Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for preventing secondary cataracts. A cytotoxic agent is employed which is introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye to inhibit proliferation of remnant tens epithelial cells after extracapsular cataract extraction. Desirably a non-cytotoxic agent crossreactive with the cytotoxic agent is introduced prior to introduction of the cytotoxic agent. The agents can be provided as kits.

Abstract: The oral vaccine of the present invention is produced in edible transgenic plants and then administered through the consumption of the edible portion of those plants. A DNA sequence encoding for the expression of a surface antigen of a pathogen is isolated and ligated to a promoter which can regulate the production of the surface antigen in a transgenic plant. This gene is then transferred to plant cells using a procedure that results in its integration into the plant genome, such as through the use of an Agrobacterium tumenfaciens plasmid vector system. Preferably, the foreign gene is expressed in an portion of the plant that is edible by humans or animals. The vaccine is administered through the consumption of the edible plant as food, preferably in the form of a fruit or vegetable juice which can be taken orally.

Abstract: Non-primate or primate cells are provided comprising a functional human transporter for neurotransmitter uptake. The cells allow for dissection of the mechanism of neurotransmitter transport, as well as screening for agonists and antagonists of the neurotransmitter with respect to its uptake. Methods are provided for producing such cells. Specifically, the cells are transformed with human DNA comprising the gene encoding for the neurotransmitter transporter, whereby this protein(s) is expressed and incorporated into the plasma membrane and is capable of functioning to transfer the neurotransmitter from the extracellular space to intracellular domains. The physiological, kinetic and pharmacological characteristics of transport in these cells conform to known characteristics of high-affinity neurotransmitter transport in the CNS.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for their use are provided for preventing proliferation of remnant lens epithelial cells following extracapsular extraction. Complement-fixing monoclonal antibodies specific for lens epithelial cells are introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye. Following binding of the monoclonal antibody to any lens epithelial cells, complement is introduced into the anterior chamber effecting lysis of the remnant lens epithelial cells. The method may be used at the time of extracapsular cataract extraction or may be used subsequently to remove a second cataract resulting from proliferation of remnant lens epithelial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies against lens epithelial cells and methods of producing them. Continuous cell lines for producing monoclonal antibodies to lens epithelial cells are disclosed. Human lens epithelial antibody producing cells are fused with myeloma cells to provide a fused hybrid, the hybrid is cultured, and antibodies specific to human lens epithelial cells are collected.Proliferation of remnant lens epithelial cells after extracapsular extraction is prevented by instilling the monoclonal antibodies specific to lens epithelial cells into the anterior chamber of the human eye and allowed to interact with the lens epithelial cells. Complement is then instilled into the anterior chamber to cause lysis or other damage to the lens epithelial cells thereby preventing them from multiplying and migrating to cover the surface of the lens capsule left in place. This can be done at the time of extracapsular cataract extraction or later to remove a second cataract caused by proliferation of these cells.