Abstract: The invention concerns immunogens, immunogenic compositions and method for the treatment of gastrin-dependent tumors. The immunogens comprise a peptide from the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor conjugated to a spacer and to an immunogenic carrier. The immunogens are capable of inducing antibodies in vivo which bind to the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor in tumor cells, thereby preventing growth stimulating peptide hormones from binding to the receptors, and inhibiting tumor cell growth. The immunogens also comprise antibodies against the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor for passive immunization. The invention also concerns diagnostic methods for detecting gastrin-dependent tumors in vivo or from a tissue biopsy using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention concerns immunogens, immunogenic compositions and method for the treatment of gastrin-dependent tumors. The immunogens comprise a peptide from the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor conjugated to a spacer and to an immunogenic carrier. The immunogens are capable of inducing antibodies in vivo which bind to the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor in tumor cells, thereby preventing growth stimulating peptide hormones from binding to the receptors, and inhibiting tumor cell growth. The immunogens also comprise antibodies against the CCK-B/gastrin-receptor for passive immunization. The invention also concerns diagnostic methods for detecting gastrin-dependent tumors in vivo or from a tissue biopsy using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease comprising a combination of active immunization with an anti-gastrin immunogenic composition with an antagonist which blocks or inhibits the gastric acid pump activity; or alternatively administering purified anti-gastrin antibodies with a H2 antagonist or proton pump inhibitor of the gastric acid producing enzyme system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of cancerous and/or pre-cancerous conditions of the liver, lung and esophagus by actively and/or passively immunizing a patient against the peptide hormone gastrin and/or a gastrin receptor, e.g., the CCK-B/gastrin receptor. The immunizations of the invention may be employed as a monotherapy, an adjunctive therapy, or as part of a combination therapy.

Abstract: Chimeric peptide epitopes can serve as effective immunogens against hormones and other small peptides or proteins. Thus, immunogenic peptides are selected from promiscuous Th epitopes and synthesized together with self antigenic peptide sequences fused with or without end to end spacer peptide interconnections. A peptide sequence which may be of the gonadotropin releasing hormone is linked with an immunogenic peptide sequence selected from a promiscuous Th-epitope of measles virus protein F, tetanus toxoid, or malaria protein CSP. Compositions of the chimeric immunogen are found effective in eliciting high and specific anti-GnRH antibody titers.

Abstract: An improved immunogenic composition against human gastrin 17 comprising the peptide pGlu-Gly-Pro-Trp-Leu-Glu-Glu-Glu-Glu-Ser-Ser-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pro-Cys (SEQ ID NO.: 1) coupled to an immunogenic carrier and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a storage stable lyophilized collagen product comprising acid soluble purified native collagen in combination with platelet derived growth factors and a pharmaceutical composition for enhancing wound healing comprising an aqueous solution of water soluble acid-soluble purified native collagen and platelet derived growth factors.

Abstract: The use of sulfated oligosaccharides, particularly mono- and disaccharides, and their salts to enhance healing of wounds is described. Preferred saccharides are those having three or more sulfate groups, with persulfation being most preferred. Preferred salts are the soluble salts most preferably the alkali metal salts, particularly potassium and sodium salts. Sucrose octosulfate is the most preferred material. The saccharides may be used in any form, including liquids, gels or time release polymers. In preferred practice the saccharide is used in combination with collagen. Wounds, in particular those ocurring in the skin and bone tissues, may be treated with the compositions. Wound healing is promoted even in wounds, such as decubitis ulcers, which are commonly resistent to the natural healing process.

Abstract: The healing of a surface wound is promoted by contacting the wound surfaces with a suspension of particles of collagen and a glycosaminoglycan that is chemotactic of fibroblasts and/or endothelial cells. Typical glycosaminoglycans that exhibit the desired chemotaxis are heparin, heparan sulfate, and alginate. Two or more glycosaminoglycans can be present in the suspensions. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan are present as a dry powdered suspension of particles. Preferably, collagen is present in the suspension in the order of 7-10 mg/ml; while the glycosaminoglycan is present in much lower concentrations, e.g., 250-350 .mu.g/ml. Application of the collagen/glycosaminoglycan suspension to open wounds greatly increases the rate of healing.The invention includes, an article, useful in the therapy for surface wounds, comprising the suspension of particles on a gauze, bandage tape or the like.

Abstract: The healing of wounds is promoted by contacting the wound surfaces with a suspension of collagen and a glycosaminoglycan that is chemotactic for fibroblasts and/or endothelial cells. Typical glycosaminoglycans that exhibit the desired chemotaxis are heparin, heparan sulfate, and alginate. Two or more glycosaminoglycans can be present in the suspensions. Collagen is present in the suspension in the order of 7-10 mg/ml; while the glycosaminoglycan is present in such lower concentrations, e.g. 250-350 .mu./ml. Application of the collagen/glycosaminoglycan suspension to open wounds greatly increases the rate of healing.

Abstract: The healing of wounds is promoted by contacting the wound surfaces with a suspension of collagen and a glycosaminoglycan that is chemotactic for fibroblasts and/or endothelial cells. Typical glycosaminoglycans that exhibit the desired chemotaxis are heparin, heparan sulfate, and alginate. Two or more glycosaminoglycans can be present in the suspensions. Collagen is present in the suspension in the order of 7-10 mg/ml; while the glycosaminoglycan is present in much lower concentrations, e.g., 250-350 .mu.g/ml. Application of the collagen/glycosaminoglycan suspension to open wounds greatly increases the rate of healing.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the allergic reaction to flea bites by hyposensitizing the host with free allantoin or allantoin derivatives. Allantoin serves to neutralize the antibody in the bloodstream specific to flea-bite antigen. It also serves to neutralize B-lymphocytes to arrest the cloning process necessary to formation of antibody.