Abstract: The present invention provides for numerous cell factors involved in a novel cellular pathway that is activated in response to ionizing radiation. Several cell factor activities are described which either complement the radioresistant DNA synthesis phenotype of Ataxia Telangiectasia cells, or inhibit DNA synthesis in the cell. Other cell factor activities are described which inhibit mitosis by arresting the cell cycle prior to cell division. It is contemplated that compositions comprising the subject factors will be useful as both research tools, and as therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include formulations for the treatment of (AT) ataxia telangiectasia patient and asymptomatic AT heterozygous carriers. The subject formulations comprise one or more different prostaglandins and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably the prostaglandins are group E prostaglandins, prostaglandin E2 being particularly preferred. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of treating AT patients and AT carriers. These methods comprise the steps of administering an effective amount of a prostaglandin containing composition of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention include methods of treating AT patients and carriers with radiotherapy. The methods comprise the steps of administering and effective amount of a prostaglandin containing formulations of the invention and subsequently irradiating the subject with an amount of radiation sufficient to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining platelet function in a mammal comprising providing platelets from the mammal, contacting the platelets in suspension with at least one immobilised ECM protein or an effective fragment or analog thereof while applying to the platelets an effective mechanical stimulus for an effective period of time and determining the platelet activation produced.The invention provides a method for monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological agents affecting platelet function in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining platelet function in a mammal comprising providing platelets from the mammal, contacting the platelets in suspension with at least one immobilised ECM protein or an effective fragment or analog thereof while applying to the platelets an effective mechanical stimulus for an effective period of time and determining the platelet activation produced.The invention also provides a method for detecting a bleeding disorder in a human. Further, the invention provides a method for monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological agents affecting platelet function in vivo.

Abstract: Novel nucleosides are provided having at least one hydrogen or hydroxide substitutent replaced by a .gamma.-emitting halogen. Methods of preparation of these nucleosides are provided and also a novel non-invasive method for the detection and measurement of tissue hypoxia in mammals.

Abstract: A novel group of radiolabelled diamines are provided, effective for pancreatic imaging and represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 1 to 10; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are hydrogen, hydroxyl or lower alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sub.3 is lower alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and N' is a nitrogen atom forming part of a 4- to 8-membered heterocyclic ring containing one or two hetero atoms, one of which is said nitrogen, said heterocyclic ring being unsubstituted or substituted with one or more lower alkyl groups and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing an immunogenic conjugate of a nitroaromatic compound and a carrier comprises colavently bonding the nitroaromatic compound to the carrier in an essentially oxygen-free atmosphere and isolating the conjugate from the reaction mixture. The conjugate may be used to raise antibodies specific to the nitroaromatic hapten. The antibodies may be used to determine the presence of hypoxic tissue in living matter by treating the living matter with a nitroaromatic compound and subsequently testing suspected tissue to determine if there is binding of the antibody to tissue. By use of appropriate markers, bound antibodies can be determined to indicate the presence of hypoxic tissue due to the unique reaction of nitroaromatic compounds with hypoxic tissue.