Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The methods involve immunologically testing biological samples for an amount of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKc), wherein determining less HK relative to a normal control, or determining more HKc relative to a normal control, or a combination thereof, aids in diagnosis of AD. Hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies bind with specificity to either HK alone, or to both HK and HKc. Kits for use in immunological AD testing using the mAbs are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The methods involve immunologically testing A B biological samples for an amount of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKc), wherein determining less HK relative to a normal control, or determining more HKc relative to a normal control, or a combination thereof, aids in diagnosis of AD. Hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies bind with specificity to either HK alone, or to both HK and HKc. Kits for use in immunological AD testing using the mAbs are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for regulating neuronal degeneration resulting from injury to nervous tissue. The method includes regulating the expression or activity of protease, preferably tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), by microglial cells. Alternatively, the method involves regulating microglial activation in response to injurious conditions. The method, in an alternative embodiment, includes detecting tPA expression or activity, or detecting microglial activation. In addition, the method includes assessing the susceptibility of a human or animal subject to seizure, and may involve detecting the activity or expression of tPA, and may further involve comparing a measured level of tPA expression or activity with a reference level associated with a given probability of seizure.

Abstract: A composition for thrombolytic therapy includes a tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and a low affinity heparin fraction. The composition is administered intravenously to allow the t-PA to dissolve blood clots while the low affinity heparin fraction prevents reocculsion without the harmful side effects observed for unfractionated heparin, such as, stimulation of and interference with t-PA activity in the circulatory system, as well as, interference with fibrinolytic activity which can cause hemorrhaging in the mammalian circulatory system.