Abstract: The present invention discloses a seven amino acid peptide (7AA) of bombesin. Methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity, reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms and reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering an effective amount of 7AA are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seven amino acid peptide (7AA) of bombesin. Methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity, reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms and reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering an effective amount of 7AA are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. Also described are methods for reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. In addition, a method of reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide is described. The specification further describes compositions for reducing or preventing the impairment of intestinal or respiratory tract mucosal immunity comprising a neuropeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. Also described are methods for reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. In addition, a method of reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide is described. The specification further describes compositions for reducing or preventing the impairment of intestinal or respiratory tract mucosal immunity comprising a neuropeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. Also described are methods for reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. In addition, a method of reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide is described. The specification further describes compositions for reducing or preventing the impairment of intestinal or respiratory tract mucosal immunity comprising a neuropeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for reducing the impairment respiratory tract mucosal immunity associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. Also described are methods for reducing the rate of infection of the respiratory tract by pathogenic microorganisms associated with a lack of enteral feeding or a lack of immunological stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide. In addition, a method of reducing the atrophy or dysfunction of the GALT comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a neuropeptide is described. The specification further describes compositions for reducing or preventing the impairment of intestinal or respiratory tract mucosal immunity comprising a neuropeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved jejunal feeding tube comprising semi rigid tubing attached to the distal end of a percutaneous endoscopic feeding tube. The tubing further contains equidistantly spaced bushing grips on the jejunal feeding tube for ease of placement and securing the jejunal feeding tube to the small intestine.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods are described for using the concentration of a cytokine present in serum or other biological fluids in order to predict the predisposition of an individual to post-trauma infectious and or inflammatory complications. Also described are diagnostic kits that are particularly suitable for use in such diagnosis.

Abstract: A method for increasing the T4/T8 ratio in a human with a depressed T4/T8 ratio comprising administering insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) is disclosed.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods are described for using the concentration of a cytokine present in serum or other biological fluids in rder to predict the predisposition of an individual to post-trauma infectious and or inflammatory complications. Also described are diagnostic kits that are particularly suitable for use in such diagnosis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stimulating a mammal's or avian's immune response, particularly immune-compromised mammals, by administration of IGF-I, alone or in combination with growth hormone. Preferably, the IGF-I is native-sequence, mature human IGF-I.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the immune system by treating an individual who has been immunocompromised as a result of severe trauma, including closed head injury and infection, with human growth hormone. This treatment leads to an increase in total lymphocyte number, and in an increase in the T4/T8 ratio. The treatment represents an effective therapy for maintaining or stimulating the immunocompetence of an individual who has been immunocompromised.