Neurex Corporation

Other

Donald H Yamashiro

George P Miljanich

Stephen S Bowersox

Karen L Valentino

James A Fox

Robert S Bitner

Makoto Tsubokawa

Douglas I Buckley

Janakiraman Ramachandran

James R Hagman

A method and compositions for reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition in a mammalian subject are described. The method includes administration of a voltage-gated calcium channel-blocking compound to the subject, 4-24 hours after the onset of the ischemic condition. Such a calcium channel blocking compound is effective to block norepinephrine release in mammalian CNS neuronal cells and is characterized by specific, high affinity binding to omega-conotoxin MVIIA binding sites. Also disclosed are novel peptide structures useful in the treatment method of the invention.

Delayed treatment method of reducing ischemia-related neuronal damage

A partially purified omega conotoxin binding protein is disclosed. The protein, either in partially purified form or in a synaptosomal preparation, is useful in identifying compounds for use in reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition, such as stroke, in a human patient.

Screening method for neuroprotective compounds

Method of reducing neuronal damage using omega conotoxin peptides

A method of reducing neuronal damage related to an ischemic condition in a human patient, such as stroke-induced damage, by administration of a binding/inhibitory omega-conotoxin peptide.

Method of treating ischemia-related neuronal damage

A fully steroidogenically active analog of ACTH is disclosed. The analog differs from natural ACTH in that phenylalanine replaces tyrosine in the second position on the peptide chain; and norleucine replaces methionine in the fourth position on the peptide chain. The analog may be iodinated to yield [I]Tyr.sup.2 -Phe.sup.2,Nle.sup.4 -ACTH, which also retains full steroidogenic activity. When labeled with iodine-125 the analog is useful in following steroidogenic processes and also in radioimmunoassays for ACTH.

Biologically active analogs of ACTH and radioimmuno assay therefor

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San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Donald H Yamashiro