Abstract: The glutamic acid residue of corticotropin-releasing hormone analogs have had the position 20 amino acid residue replaced with a D-amino acid moiety. The resulting CRH analogs do not significantly lower blood pressure but have anti-proliferative actions in cell culture and inhibit experimental cancer growth in animals (mice and rats). Novel applications of such analogs are described, such as to inhibit abnormal cell proliferation for conditions such as cancer, including melanoma, and for inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis.

Abstract: The clinical outcome of disseminated melanoma is grim. Small molecular weight antagonists (preferably about seven amino acid residues) specific for MCR on melanoma cells are provided for the therapy of melanoma as well as in other conditions where modulation of MCR is of clinical significance. A particularly preferred antagonist is p-anisoyl-[D-Arg6,9, D-Lys11, D-Leu12] dynorphin A(6-12)-NH2, which is an excellent antagonist of the MCR-1 receptor.

Abstract: The glutamic acid residue of corticotropin-releasing hormone analogs have had the position 20 amino acid residue replaced with a D-amino acid moiety. The resulting CRH analogs do not significantly lower blood pressure but have anti-proliferative actions in cell culture and inhibit experimental cancer growth in animals (mice and rats). Novel applications of such analogs are described, such as to inhibit abnormal cell proliferation for conditions such as cancer, including melanoma, and for inflammatory dermatoses, such as psoriasis.

Abstract: The clinical outcome of disseminated melanoma is grim. Small molecular weight antagonists (preferably about seven amino acid residues) specific for MCR on melanoma cells are provided for the therapy of melanoma as well as in other conditions where modulation of MCR is of clinical significance. A particularly preferred antagonist is p-anisoyl-[D-Arg6,9, D-Lys11, D-Leu12] dynorphin A(6-12)-NH2, which is an excellent antagonist of the MCR-1 receptor.

Abstract: Peptide analogues are provided with amino acid sequences of the corticotropin-releasing factor superfamily, but having at least one amino acid residue that has been replaced with a D-amino acid residue or a D-amino acid analog. The peptide analogues have anti-inflammatory activity while having a receptor selectivity and thus a disassociated ACTH response.

Abstract: Administration of a corticotropin-releasing factor (or a salt or analog thereof) decreases the leakage of blood components into tissues produced by various adverse medical conditions. Thus, treatments with corticotropin-releasing factor are useful in systemic inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: Administration of a corticotropin-releasing factor (or a salt or analog thereof) decreases the leakage of blood components into tissues produced by various adverse medical conditions. Thus, treatments with corticotropin-releasing factor are useful in systemic inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A method for treating inflammatory conditions is provided in which a peptide is administered in an amount effective to decrease inflammation, with the peptide having the sequenceG-G-F-L-R-R-I-R-P-K-L-K-W-D-N-Q (SEQ ID NO:1),G-G-F-L-R-R-I-R-P-K-L-K-W-D-N-Q-NH.sub.2 (SEQ ID NO:2),Ac-R-R-I-R-P-K-L-NH.sub.2 (SEQ ID NO:3), orAc-R-R-I-R-P-K-l-NH.sub.2.

Abstract: Small, anti-inflammatory compounds that are peptide analogs are described useful to inhibit inflammation of a mammal's skin, mucous membranes, or lacerations of the musculature or injury to the brain or leakage of fluids into the air spaces of the lungs. Peptide analogs of the invention have the primary sequence T.sub.N -A.sub.1 -A.sub.2 -A.sub.3 -A.sub.4 -A.sub.5 -A.sub.6 -T.sub.C where one of the moieties is in the D-configuration. A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 are each a basic polar amino acids while each of A.sub.3, A.sub.4, and A.sub.6 is a hydrophobic amino acid. A.sub.5 can be a variety of structures and appears to function to optimize the spatial relationship between the hydrophobic and the basic residues. T.sub.N is selected or modified to convey resistance against enzymatic degradation. T.sub.C is an amino group or an amidated amino acid, preferably hydrophobic.

Abstract: A method of retarding vascular leakage caused by tissue injury comprises administering a neurotensin or a neurotensin analog (SEQ ID NO: 1) at dosages sufficient to prevent or retard injury induced vascular leakage following injury or before deliberate injury.

Abstract: Administration of a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (or a salt or analog thereof) decreases the leakage of blood components into brain tissue produced by various adverse medical conditions and reduces bleeding when muscle tissues are cut and handled, such as in plastic and reconstructive surgery. A method of treating a patient for injury to or disease of the brain, central nervous system, or musculature in which edema is a factor comprises administering to the patient a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (or a salt or analog) in an amount effective to decrease vascular permeability in the injured or diseased brain, nervous system tissue or musculature, and thereby to reduce edema. Administration in accordance with the method can be about two hours before surgery, or can be up to three days after injury.

Abstract: Relatively small, synthetic anti-inflammatory peptides are provided having the primary sequenceT.sub.N --A.sub.1 --A.sub.2This invention was made with Government support under Grant No. DA-00091 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: Administration of a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (or a salt of analog thereof) decreases the leakage of blood components into brain tissue produced by various adverse medical conditions and reduces bleeding when muscle tissues are cut and handled, such as in plastic and reconstructive surgery. A method of treating a patient for injury to or disease of the brain, central nervous system, or musculature in which edema is a factor comprises administering to the patient a Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (or salt or analog) in an amount effective to decrease vascular permeability in the injured or diseased brain, nervous system tissue or musculature, and thereby to reduce edema. Administration in accordance with the method can be about two hours before surgery, or can be up to three days after injury.

Abstract: Many malignant neoplasias are treated by radiation therapy which can result in painful inflammation of the covering skin and/or mucosal membranes. Similarly, skin disorder patients receiving U.V. treatment may experience an inflammatory response.Certain neuropeptides have been discovered to have the unusual properties of preventing, or inhibiting, the edema and protein extravasation of skin and mucosal membrane injuries due to thermal or radiation assault or exposure to trauma or noxious agents. A method for inhibiting an inflammatory response in the skin or mucosal membranes of a patient is provided in which a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide, such as Corticotropin Releasing Factor ("CRF") or its analogs, is administered.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating high blood pressure and disturbances of cardiac function by administering a therapeutically effective dosage of dynorphin-related opioid peptides, such as dynorphin(1-13) and dynorphin(1-10) amide, having at least ten amino acids linked sequentially by peptide bonds and with the five amino acids from the N-terminal end being the same as, or mimicking, Leu-enkephalin. Administration may be over a period of time, as for individuals with chronic high blood pressure, and may be by dispensing the medicament in aerosol form.