Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated non-A, non-B hepatitis virus genomic cDNA covering the entire region of the virus gene nucleotide sequence from the 1st to 9416th nucleotides shown in FIG. 2(1) through FIG. 2(16) hereof, wherein the coding region is from the 333rd to 9362nd nucleotides, and the 5'- and 3'-noncoding sequences contain 332 nucleotides and 54 nucleotides, respectively. Part of the cDNA and an antigen polypeptide as an expression product thereof are useful as a diagnostic reagent for non-A, non-B hepatitis. The antigen polypeptide is also useful as an active ingredient for a non-A, non-B hepatitis virus vaccine.

Abstract: A method for detecting and/or assaying viral compounds, wherein the viral compounds are bound with .beta.2'-glycoprotein I which is a glycoprotein having a molecular weight of 50,000.+-.3,000 daltons from the method for producing albumin obtained as a blood plasma by-product according to FR-A 2 690 444. Viral compound separation may be simplified by binding the .beta.2'-glycoprotein I to a preferably solid support or by binding the viral compounds to a support and exposing same with the .beta.2'-glycoprotein I conjugated with a marker. A solid support to which at least the .beta.2'-glycoprotein I is bound, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies, their fragments, single chains and polypeptide mimics of their hypervariable regions which immunoreact with bare small moieties such as metallic cations the hybridomas for production of the monoclonal antibodies, immunogen compounds for developing the hybridomas, and methods for use of the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use when performing immunological procedures. The composition includes at least one biological buffer, dithiothreitol (alternatively referred to herein as "DTT"), and ethylene glycol. The composition can also include at least one biological detergent, at least one source of positive and negative counterions, e.g., salt, and at least one viscosity modifier, e.g., sugar. The buffer also can include at least one preservative, such as sodium azide. The pH of the composition preferably ranges from about 6.4 to 7.2. A kit containing the composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and reagents for the specific quantification of amitriptyline or nortriptyline in a test sample are disclosed employing antibodies prepared with amitriptyline or nortriptyline derivatives of the Formula III: ##STR1## wherein for amitriptyline, R is CH.sub.3, and for nortriptyline, R is H. The present invention also describes the synthesis of unique fluorescein tracers of the structure of Formula IV and Formula V: ##STR2## wherein for a specific amitriptyline immunoassay, W.sub.1 is a heteroatom linked to the aromatic ring at the 2 or 3 position, and for a specific nortriptyline immunoassay, W.sub.2 is two heteroatoms linked together and attached to the aromatic ring at the 2 or 3 position, and wherein Q is a detectable moiety, preferably fluorescein or a fluorescein derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellular fixative composition and method of cellular fixing and cellular analysis wherein cells may be fixed for further analysis without destroying the cell's surface markers, cellular morphology, and the cell's light scattering properties. Treatment of cells with the fixative as described herein also allows antibodies or .other desired components to enter the cell through the cellular membrane, without allowing important contents of the cell to escape. As an added benefit, the fixative composition of the invention may also kill or at least inactivate or reduce the activity of deadly virus contained in the cell. In its broadest aspect, the presently claimed fixative composition comprises at least three components, and in more preferred embodiments, four components.