Abstract: A convertible animal cage particularly suited for use in laboratories utilizing more than one kind of small rodent to minimize storage area and cage inventories. In one embodiment, a standard hanging cage with a relatively large grid bottom and front is converted into a cage for smaller animals by the insertion of an L-shaped piece consisting of a smaller grid. In another embodiment, the front and bottom panels of an otherwise solid cage are replaced with panels of a different size grid.

Abstract: Method for diagnosis of the presence of atherosclerosis plaques. The method comprises injection of a hematoporphyrin which is selectively absorbed by atheromotous plaques. The hematoporphyrin is then subjected to light causing it to fluorese and the fluorescence is used to diagnose the presence of the plaques.

Abstract: A convertible animal cage particularly suited for use in laboratories utilizing more than one kind of small rodent to minimize storage area and cage inventories. In one embodiment, a standard hanging cage with a relatively large grid bottom and front is converted into a cage for smaller animals by the insertion of an L-shaped piece consisting of a smaller grid. In another embodiment, the front and bottom panels of an otherwise solid cage are replaced with panels of a different size grid.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of atherosclerosis in a mammal by destruction of atheromatous plaque is disclosed. The disclosed method includes injecting a hematoporphyrin into the mammal for selective uptake into the atheromatous plaque, and delivering light to the diseased vessel so that the light activates the hematoporphyrin for lysis of the plaque. The preferred method utilizes a balloon catheter equipped with flexible optical fibers for transmission of light from an external source for illumination of the interior of the inflated balloon. By inflation of the balloon, the opaque blood between the balloon and the atheromatous plaque is displaced to facilitate activation of the hematoporphyrin. The balloon may be illuminated and inflated and deflated in a cycle responsive to the patient's pulse so as to minimize interference with blood flow.

Abstract: An immunoassay for a specific antibody, particularly Graves' disease-specific antibody, in which interfering reactions by the reactive ends of similar antibodies are eliminated by the step of occluding the interfering reactive ends with an antibody against the interfering reactive ends.

Abstract: A serum-free medium for use in propagating cells.A process involving growing normal mammalian cells in vitro in a serum-free medium. The process includes providing the cells to be grown with various hormones as well as required nutrients in a serum-free environment.