Abstract: This invention provides a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity, a reagent for measuring lipase activity, and an emulsion solution excellent in storage stability. This invention also provides a method for measuring lipase activity in a sample that enables accurate measurement over a long period of time. This invention further provides a method for improving storage stability of a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity and an emulsion solution. To this end, a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity comprising the emulsion solution comprising micelle particles of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid (6?-methylresorufin) ester and side-chain-type nonreactive polyether-modified-type modified silicone oil is used.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity including, as a substrate for measuring lipase activity, 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid (6?-methylresorufin) ester, wherein the production process does not necessitate cumbersome or special processing such that skill is required, or does not necessitate a special apparatus, instruments, or other items. This production process is a process for producing a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity, and is characterized by including the steps of (1) mixing the substrate for measuring lipase activity and a side-chain-type nonreactive polyether-modified-type modified silicone oil or a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene condensate to prepare a mixture, and (2) mixing all or a portion of the mixture of step (1) with water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: This invention provides a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity, a reagent for measuring lipase activity, and an emulsion solution excellent in storage stability. This invention also provides a method for measuring lipase activity in a sample that enables accurate measurement over a long period of time. This invention further provides a method for improving storage stability of a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity and an emulsion solution. To this end, a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity comprising the emulsion solution comprising micelle particles of 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid (6?-methylresorufin) ester and side-chain-type nonreactive polyether-modified-type modified silicone oil is used.

Abstract: Previously, it was difficult to obtain high-affinity antibodies that specifically bind to HMGB-1 but not to HMGB-2. Under this circumstance, the present inventors successfully obtained antibodies that are more reactive to HMGB-1 than to HMGB-2 by using specific peptides as an antigen. The present inventors also demonstrated that the antibodies had a HMGB-1-neutralizing activity. The present inventors administered the antibodies to amyloidosis model animals, and as a result, successfully demonstrated that the antibodies produced a significant therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Previously, it was difficult to obtain high-affinity antibodies that specifically bind to HMGB-1 but not to HMGB-2. Under this circumstance, the present inventors successfully obtained antibodies that are more reactive to HMGB-1 than to HMGB-2 by using specific peptides as an antigen. The present inventors also demonstrated that the antibodies had a HMGB-1-neutralizing activity. The present inventors administered the antibodies to amyloidosis model animals, and as a result, successfully demonstrated that the antibodies produced a significant therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Previously, it was difficult to obtain high-affinity antibodies that specifically bind to HMGB-1 but not to HMGB-2. Under this circumstance, the present inventors successfully obtained antibodies that are more reactive to HMGB-1 than to HMGB-2 by using specific peptides as an antigen. The present inventors also demonstrated that the antibodies had a HMGB-1-neutralizing activity. The present inventors administered the antibodies to amyloidosis model animals, and as a result, successfully demonstrated that the antibodies produced a significant therapeutic effect.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide effective methods for suppressing rejection in organ transplantation, in particular, pancreatic islet transplantation which is useful in treating diabetes. The present invention demonstrated that antibodies against HMGB-1 suppressed the rejection in pancreatic islet transplantation and promoted the survival of grafted pancreatic islets. Thus, the present invention provides agents that comprise an anti-HMGB-1 antibody for suppressing rejection in organ transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for calorimetrically determining a metal in a sample using a chelating coloring agent, characterized by coexistence of a masking agent for iron, copper or nickel. Also, the present invention is a reagent for calorimetrically determining a metal in a sample using a chelating coloring agent, characterized by inclusion of a masking agent for iron, copper and/or nickel. Further, the present invention is a masking agent for iron, copper and/or nickel and a method for reducing positive errors due to iron, copper or nickel contained in a sample.

Abstract: Amino acid sequences having specificity as lipoprotein (a) and low homology with LDL and plasminogen are selected from the amino acid sequence of lipoprotein (a), and antibodies to lipoprotein (a) which recognize these amino acid sequences specifically are obtained. At least one of these antibodies is used in immunological techniques for the determination of lipoprotein (a). Moreover, an amino acid sequence having specificity as apolipoprotein (a) and not having antigenicity as lipoprotein (a) or plasminogen is selected from the amino acid sequence of apolipoprotein (a), and antibodies to apolipoprotein (a) which recognize this amino acid sequence specifically are obtained. At least one of these antibodies is used in immunological techniques for the determination of apolipoprotein (a).