Abstract: A method for stabilizing a urethra in a female patient having stress urinary incontinence caused by stretching of a pubourethral ligament includes filling a substantial portion of the pubourethral space. The method includes injecting precursor materials for a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) into a pubourethral space the PUL and allowing the precursor materials to form a cross-linked hyaluronic acid such that the cross-linked hyaluronic acid fills a substantial portion of the pubourethral space.

Abstract: The use of hyaluronic acid and physiologically acceptable salts thereof as drag reducing agents is described. The compositions of the invention can be used to increase aortic blood flow, increase arterial blood flow, increase venous blood flow, decrease blood pressure, decrease peripheral vascular resistance, diminish the development of atherosclerosis, and/or prevent lethality of hemorrhagic shock.

Abstract: The use of hyaluronic acid and physiologically acceptable salts thereof as drag reducing agents is described. The compositions of the invention can be used to increase aortic blood flow, increase arterial blood flow, increase venous blood flow, decrease blood pressure, decrease peripheral vascular resistance, diminish the development of atherosclerosis, and/or prevent lethality of hemorrhagic shock.

Abstract: A method to rejuvenate tissue by injection of a solution containing between about 0.5% and about 10% hyaluronic acid is described. The application of the solution to tissue regions having wrinkles, line, creases, abnormalities and the like is effective in diminishing the signs of aging.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide, is prepared in high yield from streptococcus bacteria by fermenting the bacteria under anaerobic conditions in a CO.sub.2 -enriched growth medium, separating the bacteria from the resulting broth and isolating the hyaluronic acid from the remaining constituents of the broth. The bacteria may be grown free of endotoxins by filtering all ingredients through a 10K Millipore.RTM. filter prior to inoculation of the medium and subsequently maintaining pyrogen-free conditions. Separation of the microorganisms from the polysaccharide is facilitated by killing the bacteria with trichloroacetic acid. After removal of the bacterial cells and concentration of the higher molecular weight fermentation products, the hyaluronic acid is isolated and purified by precipitation, resuspension and reprecipitation.