Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method of diagnosing brain injury and brain injury type (traumatic vs. ischemic) by detecting the level of expression of endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP II) and comparing to a control. An increase of EMAP II indicates the presence of traumatic brain injury and a decrease of EMAP II indicates the presence of ischemic brain injury.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflicting brain injury on a laboratory animal that employs a platform for supporting the laboratory animal. The platform defines an opening for positioning the head of the laboratory animal over the opening. A projectile is launched from a projectile launching device orientated below the opening of the platform. The projectile launching device has a means for propelling the projectile directly at and/or through the opening of said platform, thereby inflicting brain injury on the animal via either a pressure wave or concussive impact of the projectile. Without helmet, direct impact of the projectile results in severe traumatic brain injury. Use of helmet protects animals from skull fracture, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hemorrhage and contusion yet produces mild concussion-like pathology.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method of diagnosing brain injury and brain injury type (traumatic vs. ischemic) by detecting the level of expression of endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP-II) and comparing to a control. An increase of EMAP-II indicates the presence of traumatic brain injury and a decrease of EMAP-II indicates the presence of ischemic brain injury.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method of diagnosing brain injury and brain injury type (traumatic vs. ischemic) by detecting the level of expression of endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP-II) and comparing to a control. An increase of EMAP-II indicates the presence of traumatic brain injury and a decrease of EMAP-II indicates the presence of ischemic brain injury. Detection of EMAP-II can be done in brain tissue, biofluids such as cerebrospinal fluid or blood (including plasma and serum).

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include the use of G-2MePE to treat patients with brain injury characterized by non-convulsive seizures. G-2MePE is useful in treating brain injuries caused by traumatic brain injury, stroke, hypoxia/ischemia and toxic injury.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool and method of diagnosing brain injury and brain injury type (traumatic vs. ischemic) by detecting the level of expression of endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide II (EMAP-II) and comparing to a control. An increase of EMAP-II indicates the presence of traumatic brain injury and a decrease of EMAP-II indicates the presence of ischemic brain injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for regulating the release of TGF-&bgr; from living cells in vitro or in vivo, comprising bringing the cells into contact with an effective amount of a NAALADase inhibitor. Such methods are believed to be useful for affecting neuroregeneration, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, extracellular matrix formation, myelination, inflammation, immune function, liver function, pancreatic function, angiogenesis, or wound healing; and/or for preventing or treating diabetes.

Abstract: A method for regulating the release of TGF-&bgr; from living cells in vitro or in vivo, comprising bringing the cells into contact with an effective amount of a NAALADase inhibitor. Such methods are believed to useful for affecting neuroregeneration, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, extracellular matrix formation, myelination, inflammation, immune function, liver function, pancreatic function, angiogenesis, or wound healing; and/or preventing or treating diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using NAALADase inhibitors to regulate TGF-&bgr; and to treat neurodegenerative disorders, extracellular matrix formation disorders, cell-growth related diseases, infectious diseases, immune related diseases, epithelial tissue scarring, collagen vascular diseases, fibroproliferative disorders, connective tissue disorders, inflammatory diseases, respiratory distress syndrome and infertility.