Abstract: A method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of an analyte in a test sample wherein a labelled reagent is caused to be immobilized in bound form on a solid phase to provide an indication of the presence or quantity of the analyte in the sample is disclosed and is characterized in that the labelled reagent comprises a gold sol bound to a substance capable of specifically binding to said analyte or to a specific binding partner therefor, at least 75% by weight of the gold particles of the gold sol having a mean diameter of less than 5 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of an analyte in a test sample wherein a labelled reagent is caused to be immobilized in bound form on a solid phase to provide an indication of the presence or quantity of the analyte in the same is disclosed and is characterized in that the labelled reagent comprises a gold sol bound to a substance capable of specifically binding to said analyte or to a specific binding partner therefor, at least 75% by weight of the gold particles of the gold sol having a mean diameter of less than 5 nanometers.

Abstract: There is provided a method of generating enhanced images of the human or non-human animal body, for example for use in medical diagnosis, which involves administering to the body a positive MRI contrast agent which is body tissue- or body duct-specific following the particular mode of administration and a negative MRI contrast agent which preferably also is body tissue- or body duct-specific. Thereafter a magnetic resonance image is generated of a part of the body containing the negative and positive contrast agents or their paramagnetic, ferromagnetic or superparamagnetic biodegradation products. Contrast media suitable for use in this new image generating method are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diagnostic agent containing a non-radioactive paramagnetic metal species which agent comprises a physiologically tolerable, water-soluble, hydroxyl group-containing macromolecular product to which is chemically bound said metal species, said product consisting essentially of at least one polymeric or polymerized carbohydrate or polymerized sugar alcohol or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Novel peptides consisting of dimeric peptide chains linked by a disulphide bridge. The dimers have a stimulatory effect on haemopoiesis, by contrast with the inhibitory effect of the monomer analogues.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic particles, conveniently embedded in or coated by a biotolerable polymer and held in dispersion in a physiologically acceptable dispersion medium, may be used as contrast agents in nmr imaging for the production of images suitable for use in diagnosis. Unlike paramagnetic nmr contrast agents, ferromagnetic nmr contrast agents give particularly good contrast in the T.sub.2 dependent images.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeting polypeptides for use in targeting and identifying activated T-lymphocytes in the human or animal body, the targeting polypeptides being capable of binding specifically to the interleukin-2 receptors of activated T-lymphocytes or to molecules associated with the receptors and carrying one or more physiologically compatible imaging agents. Such targeting polypeptides can be used for, example, in the location of tumours and abscesses and other inflammatory conditions and in the monitoring of tissue transplants for possible rejection.

Abstract: There are provided NMR contrast agents comprising water-soluble paramagnetic metal chelates, preferably of Cr(III), Fe(III) or Gd(III), wherein the chelating entity is an anilide group containing organic moiety, preferably a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 may represent hydrogen or halogen atoms, optionally halogenated alkyl or alkoxy groups or carboxyl groups. The agents are especially suitable for use in NMR imaging of the hepatobiliary system.

Abstract: There are provided NMR contrast agents comprising water-soluble paramagnetic metal chelates, preferably of Cr(III), Fe(III) or Gd(III), wherein the chelating entity is an anilide group containing organic moiety, preferably a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 may represent hydrogen or halogen atoms, optionally halogenated alkyl or alkoxy groups or carboxyl groups. The agents are especially suitable for use in NMR imaging of the hepatobiliary system.