Abstract: A method for identifying a platelet population, preferably a population of immature, reticulated platelets, in a biological sample involves incubating the biological sample for less than 5 minutes with at least one labeled, ligand (e.g., monoclonal antibody) that binds to an epitope or antigen on platelets and with a nucleic acid dye. In one embodiment, the dye is Acridine Orange and the label on the ligand is PE-Cy7. The sample is then analyzed and one or more platelet populations is rapidly identified or quantified by passing the incubated sample through a sensing region of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment, this method occurs without a washing or physical cell separation step. The incubated sample is irradiated with a laser light source, and fluorescence of the labeled ligand and the nucleic acid dye are measured along with at least one additional parameter, e.g., light scatter, direct current, axial light loss, opacity, radio frequency, and fluorescence.

Abstract: Methods for differentially identifying cells in an instrument employ compositions containing a combination of selected antibodies and fluorescent dyes having different cellular distribution patterns and specificities, as well as antibodies and fluorescent dyes characterized by overlapping emission spectra which form non-compensatable spectral patterns. When utilizing the compositions described herein consisting of fluorescent dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies with overlapping spectra that cannot be separated or distinguished based upon optical or electronic compensation means, a new fluorescent footprint is established. This new fluorescent footprint is a result of the overlapping spectra and the combined cellular staining patterns of the dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies chosen for the composition. The new fluorescent footprint results in histogram patterns that are useful for the identification of additional cell populations or subtypes in hematological disease.

Abstract: A method for identifying a platelet population, preferably a population of immature, reticulated platelets, in a biological sample involves incubating the biological sample for less than minutes with at least one labeled, ligand (e.g., monoclonal antibody) that binds to an epitope or antigen on platelets and with a nucleic acid dye. In one embodiment, the dye is Acridine Orange and the label on the ligand is PE-Cy7. The sample is then analyzed and one or more platelet populations is rapidly identified or quantified by passing the incubated sample through a sensing region of a flow cytometer. In one embodiment, this method occurs without a washing or physical cell separation step. The incubated sample is irradiated with a laser light source, and fluorescence of the labeled ligand and the nucleic acid dye are measured along with at least one additional parameter, e.g., light scatter, direct current, axial light loss, opacity, radio frequency, and fluorescence.

Abstract: Methods for differentially identifying cells in an instrument employ compositions containing a combination of selected antibodies and fluorescent dyes having different cellular distribution patterns and specificities, as well as antibodies and fluorescent dyes characterized by overlapping emission spectra which form non-compensatable spectral patterns. When utilizing the compositions described herein consisting of fluorescent dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies with overlapping spectra that cannot be separated or distinguished based upon optical or electronic compensation means, a new fluorescent footprint is established. This new fluorescent footprint is a result of the overlapping spectra and the combined cellular staining patterns of the dyes and fluorochrome labeled antibodies chosen for the composition. The new fluorescent footprint results in histogram patterns that are useful for the identification of additional cell populations or subtypes in hematological disease.

Abstract: Ligand-aminodextran-(phycobiliprotein or tandem dye) conjugates useful for detection of a desired target biological material by providing an enhanced fluorescent signal are described. Also described is a method for a single-measurement quantification of multiple populations of cells based upon the labeling of different pairs of cell populations, each pair containing mutually exclusive cell receptors which are expressed at substantially similar receptor densities with labeled ligands for each receptor. One cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a first cell surface receptor which ligand is directly conjugated to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye; and a second cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a second cell surface receptor, which ligand is cross-linked to an aminodextran to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye.

Abstract: A method for a single-measurement quantification of multiple populations of white blood cells (WBC) is based upon the labeling of different pairs of cell populations, each pair containing mutually exclusive cell receptors which are expressed at substantially similar receptor densities with labeled ligands for each receptor. One cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a first cell surface receptor which ligand is directly conjugated to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye; and a second cell population is labeled with a ligand capable of binding to a second cell surface receptor, which ligand is cross-linked by an aminodextran to a fluorescent phycobiliprotein or tandem dye. The phycobiliproteins upon laser excitation produce a different detectable fluorescence intensity for each cell population. Use of such pairs of conjugates enable two populations of cells with similar receptor densities to be distinguished with the use of a single color marker.

Abstract: Danazol, a known androgen, is used to (1) correct immune abnormalities associated with hemotologic disorders or (2) treating immune disorders associated with depressed T helper cells, in the invention disclosed.

Abstract: Treatment of sickle cell disease using danazol.