Abstract: Disclosed is a novel amylase which mainly forms maltohexaose and maltoheptaose when acts on starch, but does not substantially hydrolyze maltohexaose and a lower molecular oligosaccharide than maltohexaose. The amylase can be prepared from microorganisms of the genus Alcaligenes, and has a relatively-high optimum temperature and thermal stability, as well as a relatively-wide range of optimum pH and pH stability. By using the amylase, saccharide compositions rich in maltohexaose and/or maltoheptaose or those rich in maltohexaitol and/or maltoheptaitol can be readily prepared in an industrial scale, and the saccharide compositions thus obtained can be used in a variety of food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention relating to a novel lymphokine and to the production and uses thereof. The invention also relates to a monoclonal antibody specific to the lymphokine and its production. The novel lymphokine is a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of 20,000.+-.2,000 daltons; isoelectric point pI, 5.6.+-.0.2; electrophoretic mobility Rf, 0.29.+-.0.02; and cytotoxic on a mouse cell line L 929. The lymphokine inhibits significantly the growth of malignant human tumors in vivo. The monoclonal antibody is IgM or IgG class, and neutralizes specifically the cytotoxic activity of the lymphokine.