Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay for determining the phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) content in body fluids, to the various components needed for preparing and carrying out such an assay, and to the methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for preparing them. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization of plane polarized light that has been passed through a solution continuing sample, antiserum and tracer.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantifying BrdU labeled DNA in cells. The BrdU is incorporated into the DNA and the DNA is stained with a first fluorochrome having a fluorescence which is quenchable by BrdU. The first fluorochrome is preferably a thymidine base halogen analogue, such as a Hoechst fluorochrome. The DNA is then stained with a second fluorochrome having a fluorescence that is substantially uneffected by BrdU. The second fluorochrome may be selected from the group consisting of mithramycin, chromomycin A3, olivomycin, propidium iodide and ethidium bromine. The fluorescence from the first and second fluorochromes is then measured to obtain first and second output signals, respectively. The first output signal is substracted from the second output signal to obtain a difference signal which is functionally related to the quantity of BrdU incorporated into DNA. The technique is particularly useful for quantifying the synthesis of DNA during the S-phase of the cell cycle.

Abstract: A sensitive and general method of post-separation detection and quantification of chemical compounds is described. The method involves separation of unlabeled compounds by chromatography, electrophoresis or other means and selective binding of the separated compounds to ligands containing highly neutron-activatable elements, followed by neutron irradiation. The neutron-activatable elements are converted to their radiation-emitting isotopes by neutron absorption, and detection is done by autoradiography, fluorography or other means of radiation detection. The theoretical sensitivity of the method is in the attomole (10.sup.-18 mole) range.

Abstract: In an assay where a ligand or organism is detected by a detector binding protein ("DBP") capable of generating a signal in proportion to the amount of ligand or organism bound to the DBP, the presence of the ligand or organism is confirmed by the use, prior to or concurrently with the DBP, of a confirmatory binding protein ("CBP") which binds to a second site on the ligand or organism, and thereby prevents the DBP from binding to the first site. Thus, a reduction in signal of a predetermined amount indicates the true presence of the ligand or organism, while failure to obtain signal reduction of a predetermined amount indicates that the original signal was a false positive due to assay artifact or detection of related ligands or organisms. In a preferred embodiment, the CBP is a monoclonal antibody and the organism is derived from Chlamydia species.

Abstract: A protein containing at least one pendant sulfhydryl group is directly radiolabeled with a radiometal which binds tightly to sulfhydryl groups, using one or more pendant sulfhydral groups on the protein as endogenous ligands and optionally using an exogenous ligand which binds tightly to the radiometal ion to further stabilize the chelate.

Abstract: A novel immunoassay techniques is provided which is useful in the detection and determination of antibodies to antigens. Antibodies of all classes to a given antigen or the specific subclass of immunoglobulin to a specified antigen can be detected. A conjugate of labelled antibody and specific antigen is used as the third reagent in a sandwich assay.

Abstract: A simple, rapid and efficient method for labelling sulfhydryl-containing antibodies or antibody fragments with Tc-99m, Rh-186, Rh-188, Rh-189 or Rh-191 is disclosed. Labeled antibodies produced by the method are useful for radio-immunodiagnostic and/or radio-therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies, and hybridomas which produce them, which are reactive with a highly conserved epitope present on potyviruses and insignificantly reactive with other plant viruses, as well methods of using these monoclonal antibodies to detect potyviruses.

Abstract: In a method of imaging body tissue in a patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent for effecting the relaxation times of atoms in body tissues undergoing NMR diagnosis, whereby image contrast is enhanced, said agent comprising an amount, effective to effect such relaxation times, of a paramagnetic, physiologically compatible salt of a physiologically compatible chelate complex of an ion of a lanthanide element of atomic numbers 57-70, or of a transition metal of atomic numbers 21-29, 42, or 44; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and subjecting the patient to NMR tomography, the improvement wherein said salt of said chelate complex is the calcium or magnesium salt. Such salts are new as are some of the complexing chelates.

Abstract: Provided is a test kit for conducting a membrane sandwich immunoassay of a multivalent antigen, optionally including reagents, the test kit includes a hollow container for reception of a fluid specimen, containing in series fluid absorbent body, a fluid pervious layer, and a fluid pervious solid membrane layer on which antibody is immobilized such that fluid added (e.g., labeled antibody and fluid specimen) to the container migrates through the membrane and in the presence of unlabeled scavenger antibody on the reactive surface of the membrane forms a multiple-site immunospecific antibody-antigen-antibody sandwich immobilized and labeled thereon, preferably in the form of a visible positive or negative indicator of the presence and/or amount of the analyte antigen in the specimen sample. The scavenger antibody serves to prevent false positive or other spurious reactions due to antigen analogs, antigen interference substances, or circulating human immnoglobulins.

Abstract: A potent, stable virus composition useful for protecting agricultural commodities from insects and a simple, efficient, economical and labor-saving method to produce and formulate large quantities of the virus composition are described. The method is particularly useful to prepare nuclear polyhedrosis virus or granulosis virus compositions for control of postharvest pests such as the Indianmeal moth.

Abstract: A storage-stable, non carcinogenic reagent for peroxidase detection useful in the diagnosis of AIDS and other diseases which comprises an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and a chromogen therefor.

Abstract: A method for separation-free solid phase immunoassay of an analyte includes contacting an antianalyte attached to the surface of a solid support with the analyte, a light absorbing material and a tracer for the analyte which includes a label. The resulting mixture is incubated and chemiluminescence is generated. All of the chemiluminescence is absorbed by the light absorbing material except that associated with the bound tracer whereby the only emission detected is due to the bound tracer. Since emission from free tracer in the fluid phase of the assay medium is not detected, separation of the bound and free fractions is unnecessary. The invention includes a kit of materials useful in performing an immunoassay in accordance with the method of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a unique strain of chlamydia associated with acute respiratory disease are disclosed. These methods utilize monoclonal antibody directed against an antigenic determinant of the TWAR strain of chlamydia. Also disclosed is a method for determining the presence of antibodies to the TWAR strain, utilizing elementary bodies of the TWAR strain as antigen.

Abstract: Use of labeled monoclonal antibody 50 H.19 to detect the location and concentration of blood platelets in a host is disclosed. MAb 50 H.19 labeled with a label which can be detected from without the host (e.g. a radiolabel or NMR-label) is intravenously injected to immunoreact with platelets in vivo or is first immunoreacted in vitro with platelets, which are then intravenously injected into the host. By means of the labeled MAb 50 H.19 bound platelets it is possible to detect and locate thrombi, emboli, atherosclerotic obstructions, bacterial endocarditis and to do spleen imaging. In another embodiment of the invention, the MAb 50 H.19 is bound to an enzymatic thrombolytic agent and injected intravenously to permit the therapeutic application of the agent directly to thrombi.

Abstract: A reagent for the determination of acid phosphatase in body fluids which contains as a substrate a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, and n and m are each an integer of 1 to 4, and a method for the determination of acid phosphatase in body fluids using the reagent. The reagent is clinically useful for diagnosis of prostate diseases such as prostate carcinoma and prostatomegaly and observation of progress thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic polypeptides having influenza virus antigenic properties are disclosed. These polypeptides correspond substantially to particular regions in the matrix protein of influenza virus. Salts, derivatives, and conjugates of these polypeptides are disclosed as well as methods for using these materials for diagnostic and medical/veterinary purposes.

Abstract: Novel hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies which react specifically with human pancreatic cancer cells are described. Methods for producing antigenic preparations to generate the hybridoma cell lines and for selecting, purifying and characterizing the monoclonal antibodies reactive with human cells, including pancreatic cancer cells, are disclosed.

Abstract: An assay method and kit in which particles bearing a first reagent binding pair member (e.g., anti-digoxin antibody) react with a sample such that analyte binding pair member (e.g., digoxin) binds to the first reagent binding pair member. The reaction mixture is then passed through a filter or membrane or pore size sufficient to allow particles to pass through. A second reagent binding pair member (e.g., digoxin-albumin conjugate) is immobilized on the filter or membrane to trap preferentially either particles which have bound analyte binding pair members or particles which have not, leaving the other class of particles to pass through the filter for detection by resistive pulse techniques, by light absorbence or scattering, by enzymatic read-out (when the particles are enzyme-labeled) or otherwise.

Abstract: A crystal-violet dye binding technique useful for the detection and differentiation of virulent plasmid-bearing strains of Yersinia enterocolitica. Virulent plasmid-bearing strains of the bacteria bind the crystal violet dye to form dark violet colonies while avirulent plasmidless strains fail to bind the dye and remain white in color. The method is simple, rapid, economical and highly reliable.