Abstract: Embodiments described herein relates to compositions and methods of preventing and/or treating itch in a subject using a therapeutically effective amount of a MRG receptor antagonist. e.g., a tripeptide QWF. In one embodiment, the itch is a non-histamine mediated itch.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relates to compositions and methods of preventing and/or treating itch in a subject using a therapeutically effective amount of a MRG receptor antagonist. e.g., a tripeptide QWF. In one embodiment, the itch is a non-histamine mediated itch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to methods of preventing itch in a subject using an therapeutically effective amount of a cysteine protease inhibitor. The itch is not associated with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The itch is also a non-histamine mediated itch. The cysteine protease inhibitor is an inhibitor directed to cathepsin S.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to methods of preventing itch in a subject using a therapeutically effective amount of a cysteine protease inhibitor. The itch is not associated with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The itch is also a non-histamine mediated itch. The inhibitor are directed to the cathepsin selected from the group consisting of cathepsin B, C, F, J, K, H, L, P, Q, S, W, X, V, and Z.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preventing and/or treating itch in a subject in need thereof by administration of a protease-activated G-protein coupled Protease Activated Receptor 4 (PAR4) antagonist. The PAR4 antagonist can be combined with a PAR2 antagonist.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits, are provided for the use of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors to prevent and reduce wrinkles.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits, are provided for the use of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors to prevent and reduce wrinkles.

Abstract: There are provided a method to screen agonist or antagonist of the maxadilan receptor participating in vasodilating action, wherein a receptor of maxadilan is used, compounds which specifically bind to the receptor, and a tissue preparation having the receptor. The compounds are variants of maxadilan from the salivary glands of the sand fly.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject for an unwanted epidermal or dermal condition comprising administering to the subject, a treatment which modulates the level of nitric oxide (NO) in the skin.

Abstract: A method for identifying a chemical that acts as an agonist for a G-protein coupled cell surface (GPC) receptor.

Abstract: This specification relates to the use of peptides having a specific affinity to pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptors, particularly MAX (67 amino acids), NSP (61 amino acids) and M65 (46 amino acids). MAX and NSP act as agonists to PACAP type 1 receptors, and M65 acts as an antagonist to PACAP type 1 receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteins derived from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis capable of inducing vasodilation in mammals and data characterizing the proteins and nucleic acids encoding the proteins. Also disclosed is a method for temporarily inactivating the immune system in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the Lutzomyia protein, CGRP, calcitonin, or active immune suppressing analogs thereof.

Abstract: A method for detecting the interaction between an oligomeric molecule and a target is provided. A plurality of beads is applied to a substrate, each bead having associated therewith multiple copies of only a single oligomeric molecule. The beads are substantially spaced-apart from one another and are substantially immobilized on the substrate. Conditions are applied such that a substantial portion of the multiple copies associated with each bead can disassociate from and diffuse into the substrate, the substrate constructed and arranged to permit only substantially localized diffusion. A localized signal occurring as a result of the diffusion is detected. Coated beads and libraries of coated beads also are provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a chemical that acts as an agonist for a G-protein coupled cell surface (GPC) receptor.

Abstract: Disclosed are proteins derived from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis capable of inducing vasodilation in mammals, and data characterizing the proteins and nucleic acid encoding the proteins. Also disclosed is a method for temporarily inactivating the immune system in a mammal comprising administering to the mammal the Lutzomyia protein, CGRP, calcitonin, or active immune suppressing analogs thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic device including an optical source including means for generating ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a light delivery apparatus. The light delivery apparatus includes a body member and a plurality of optical fibers extending therefrom. Each of the optical fibers includes a proximal tip affixed to the body member, a distal tip at the end of the fiber opposite the proximal tip, and means for coupling the generated radiation from the proximal tips of the fibers through the fibers, and to the distal tips. The distal tips are characterized by a radius of curvature in the range 0.25 to 2.0 mm. The coupling means includes a flexible central core disposed within a flexible outer cladding. The central core has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and the cladding has a refraction less than the index of refraction of the core.

Abstract: Purified DNA comprising a sequence encoding chrysoptin.Chrysoptin can be used to alter the hemodynamic or hemostatic properties of an animal's blood by administering to the animal an effective amount of chrysoptin.

Abstract: Anti-Sm antibodies are produced by the hybridoma technique and employed to test for lupus erythematosus in humans.