Abstract: The present invention relates to renoprotection by growth hormone-releasing hormone and agonists. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for protecting a mammal against oxidative renal damage, of promoting regeneration of kidney cells in a mammal in need thereof and/or of preventing the death of kidney cells due to oxidative stress. The present invention also relates to the identification of rat and human renal GHRH-R sequences.

Abstract: Described herein are growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogs and uses for such analogs. In some embodiments, growth hormone related diseases may be treated with one or more synthetic GHRH analogs of 29 amino acids or more, exhibiting concomitantly an increased resistance to proteolysis and high binding affinity to human GHRH receptor in in vitro studies, in comparison with human native GHRH (1-29)NH2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogues. More particularly, the invention relates to synthetic GHRH analogues of amino acids or more, exhibiting concomitantly an increased resistance to proteolysis and high binding affinity to human GHRH receptor in in vitro studies, in comparison with human native GHRH (1-29)NH2. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising any one of said GHRH analogues and to the use of these analogues for specific stimulation of in vivo GH release as well as preparation of a drug in the treatment of GH deficiency-related conditions. The present invention also provides for a method for initiating GHRH-induced biological actions in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogues. More particularly, the invention relates to synthetic GHRH analogues of 29 amino acids or more, exhibiting concomitantly an increased resistance to proteolysis and high binding affinity to human GHRH receptor in in vitro studies, in comparison with human native GHRH (1-29)NH2. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising any one of said GHRH analogues and to the use of these analogues for specific stimulation of in vivo GH release as well as preparation of a drug in the treatment of GH deficiency-related conditions. The present invention also provides for a method for initiating GHRH-induced biological actions in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound having the formula:Ra--X--Rb Ior a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein,X is selected from the group consisting of ##STR1## Ra is a fluorophore selected from the group consisting of fluorescein, rhodamine, Texas red, any BODIPY.TM., CASCADE BLUE.TM., coumarin, phycoerithryn, eosin and rosamine; and Rb is a polypeptide moiety for binding to GRF receptors which allows for receptor physiological studies in vivo or in vitro and for distinguishing cell surface from intracellular receptor components. The present invention also relates to a method for the labeling of GRF receptors on cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compound having the formula: ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid salt thereof, wherein R is a polypeptide moiety comprises an amino acid sequence:-Y-Arg-Pro-Z-Ile-Leu;wherein Y is Arg, andZ is Tyr or Trp;R.sub.1 is a fluorophore selected from the group consisting of fluorescein, rhodamine, Blue fluorescent and Texas red; andX is oxygen or sulfur. The present invention also relates to a method for the labeling of neurotensin receptors on cell surface and a method to isolate neurotensin-receptor expressing cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antiviral peptides of the formula A-R.sup.8 -R.sup.9 -R.sup.10 -R.sup.11 -R.sup.12 -R.sup.13 -R.sup.14 -R.sup.15 B wherein A is from zero up to seven amino acid residues and includes a terminal hydrogen or a terminal N-acyl, or A is a phenylpropionyl with optional substitution of the para position of the phenyl, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.13, R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 are various amino acid residues with the stipulation that one or more of the three amino acid residues immediately preceeding R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently Val, D-Val, Nva, D-Nva, Leu, D-Leu, Nle, D-Nle, Ile or D-Ile, and B is hydroxy, amino or lower alkylamino. The antiviral activity of the peptides can be enhanced by combining them with a protease inhibitor. The peptides and the combination are useful for the treatment of herpes viral infections in mammals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination of bacitracin and acyclovir or equivalent derivatives thereof. The combination, as well as bacitracin itself, are useful for treating herpes viral infections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antiviral peptides of the formula A-R.sup.8 -R.sup.9 -R.sup.10 -R.sup.11 -R.sup.12 -R.sup.13 -R.sup.14 -R.sup.15 -B wherein A is from zero up to seven amino acid residues and includes a terminal hydrogen or a terminal N-acyl, or A is a phenylacetyl with optional substitution of the para position of the phenyl, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.13, R.sup.14 and R.sup.15 are various amino acid residues with the stipulation that one or more of the four amino acid residues immediately preceding R.sup.11 may optionally be deleted, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are independently Val, D-Val, Nva, D-Nva, Leu, D-Leu, Nle, D-Nle, Ile or D-Ile, and B is hydroxy, amino or lower alkylamino. The antiviral activity of the peptides can be enhanced by combining them with a protease inhibitor. The peptides and the combination are useful for the treatment of herpes viral infections in mammals.