Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing or reducing ischemia-reperfusion injuries. These methods comprise administering an effective amount of a free radical scavenger (e.g., N-acetylcysteine) to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and pharmaceutical composition for treating or mitigating the side effects of cytotoxic cancer therapy for carcinoma-type cancers tumors including administering a thiol-based chemoproctectant agent and administering a cytotoxic agent having a targeting means to the Lewis Y glycoproteins.

Abstract: A method of administration of a thiol-based chemoprotectant agent including NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and STS (sodium thiosulfate) that markedly affects biodistribution and protects against injury from diagnostic or therapeutic intra-arterial procedures. A method for treating or mitigating the side effects of cytotoxic cancer therapy for tumors located in the head or neck and brain tumors. The thiol-based chemoprotectant agent is administered intra-arterially with rapid and first pass uptake in organs and tissues other than the liver.

Abstract: We disclose the discovery and purification of a tumor antigen that binds the mouse monoclonal antibody L6. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the antigen is expressed on the membrane surface of LX-1 human lung tumor cells, which retain L6 binding activity when intracerebrally xenografted in nude rats. The antigen is also expressed in the cytoplasm of hypothalamic neurons. Inability of oxytocin and vasopressin hormones to block L6 binding showed that the antigenic epitope resides in neurophysin, the carrier protein associated with the two hormones. Porcine neurophysin did block L6 binding to the antigen. Western blot analysis confirmed that L6-immunoreactivity is neurophysin-related. Immunoaffinity chromatography and gel electrophoresis revealed the antigen molecular weight to be 45000 daltons. Amino-terminal sequencing revealed a 21-amino acid homology with the N-terminus of human pro-pressophysin.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood brain barrier is disclosed which utilizes drug neutralization technology, and the selective permeability oThis invention was made with support by the Preuss Foundation and with Government support by the Veterans Administration and under Grant No. 31770 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: An improved method for diagnosing and characterizing brain lesions is described which first involves chemically modifying the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in order to increase BBB permeability. Thereafter, a chemical agent (e.g. monoclonal antibody) is introduced which binds directly, specifically and exclusively to brain lesons. The chemical has a label attached thereto (e.g. gadolinium-DTPA). The chemical agent and label localize in regions of brain lesion proliferation. Thereafter, the brain is quantitatively analyzed to determine the amount of labeling agent present, preferably using magnetic resonance imaging techniques. This procedure enables the accurate analysis of brain lesions, and represents an advance in the art of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A method for treating genetic and acquired brain disorders is disclosed in which genetic material is introduced into the blood stream for delivery to the brain. Prior to delivery, the interendothelial structure of the BBB is chemically altered to permit passage of the genetic material therethrough. This is accomplished through osmotic disruption of the BBB by administrationThis invention was made with Government support under a grant from the Veterans Administration. The Government has certain rights in this invention.