Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and use of super-infective, tumor-specific vectors that are strains of parasites including, but not limited to bacteria, fungi and protists. In certain embodiments the parasites include, but are not limited to, the bacterium Salmonella spp., such as Salmonella typhimurium, the bacterium Mycobacterium avium and the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. In other embodiments, the present invention is concerned with the isolation of super-infective, tumor-specific, suicide gene-containing strains of parasites for use in treatment of solid tumors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the isolation and use of super-infective, tumor-specific vectors that are strains of parasites including, but not limited to bacteria, fungi and protists. In certain embodiments the parasites include, but are not limited to, the bacterium Salmonella spp., such as Salmonella typhimurium, the bacterium Mycobacterium avium and the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. In other embodiments, the present invention is concerned with the isolation of super-infective, tumor-specific, suicide gene-containing strains of parasites for use in treatment of solid tumors.

Abstract: Disclosed are cosmetic melanins of different colors produced by procedures involving oxidative polymerization of monomeric precursors of melanin and/or co-monomers that enhance substantivity or adherence of the melanins to the skin and hair. Also disclosed are methods for preparing cosmetic melanins and methods for using these compositions topically to produce a natural-appearing tan and to prevent damage to skin caused by UV exposure.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH of at least 5 to 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. The melanin is further characterized by being capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter. Still further, the melanin is characterized by having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. Such melanin can be produced by combining dopachrome and 5,6-dihydroxyindole (or allowing dopachrome to spontaneously form 5,6-dihydroxyindole) and an appropriate enzyme or by combining 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid or by incubating 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid alone. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair.

Abstract: A skin-whitening and suntan-inhibiting composition comprising (a) a compound which depletes glutathione, and (b) hydroquinone or an alkyl or aralkyl ether of hydroquinone.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH of at least 5 to 9 at a temperature of 0 to 100.degree. C. The melanin is further characterized by being capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter. Still further, the melanin is characterized by having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. Such melanin can be produced by combining dopachrome and 5,6-dihydroxyindole (or allowing dopachrome to spontaneously form 5,6-dihydroxyindole) and an appropriate enzyme or by combining 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid or by incubating 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid alone.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH of at least 5 to 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. The melanin is further characterized by being capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter. Still further, the melanin is characterized by having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. Such melanin can be produced by combining dopachrome and 5,6-dihydroxyindole (or allowing dopachrome to spontaneously form 5,6-dihydroxyindole) and an appropriate enzyme or by combining 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid or by incubating 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid alone. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair.

Abstract: A melanin that is soluble in an aqueous solution at a pH of at least 5 to 9 at a temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. The melanin is further characterized by being capable of being filtered through at least a 0.45 micron size filter. Still further, the melanin is characterized by having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 kilodaltons. The melanin is useful for providing a naturally-appearing tan to mammalian skin and hair. The melanin is also useful for providing a sun-screen to mammalian skin and hair.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the melanin content in mammalian skin and hair by administering to a mammal a composition comprising an effective amount of one or more derivatives of 5,6-dihydroxyindole, the derivatives having one or more substituents which are capable of being removed enzymatically, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, the amount being 0.5% to 20% wt/wt based on the composition.

Abstract: A phosphorylated derivative of L-dopa of the formula ##STR1## wherein when X is ##STR2## wherein Z is --CH.sub.2, N, S or a linkage other than oxygen which renders the phosphate group resistant to hydrolysis by phosphatase enzymes in tissues and biological fluids,then Y is OQ, wherein Q is H or an alkyl with one to twelve carbon atoms, orwherein X is OQ, then Y is ##STR3## wherein R' is hydrogen or a pharmaceutically acceptable cation and R is a moiety which increases hydropobicity. The phosphorylated derivative of L-dopa is useful as an agent to increase the melanin content in mammalian skin and hair.

Abstract: A composition and method for the treatment of melanomas in human beings wherein the composition comprises at least one O-phosphorylated derivative of 3-(3,4-dihydroxy)phenylalanine.

Abstract: A composition and method for the treatment of melanomas in human beings wherein the composition comprises at least one O-phosphorylated derivative of 3-(3,4-dihydroxy)phenylalanine.

Abstract: A composition and method useful for increasing the accumulation of melanin in the skin of humans and other mammals wherein the composition comprises at least one O-phosphorylated derivative of 3-(3,4-dihydroxy)phenylalanine.