Abstract: A method of multi-color labeling at least two antigens present in a tissue such as non-liquid tissue or body fluids, with the aid of different antibodies is improved by introducing between the labeling of the first antigen and the labeling of the second antigen, and between labeling of the second and that of any further antigen, at least once a treatment with a non-immune normal serum and optionally other agents blocking any binding sites remaining free in the tissue after a last-preceding labeling step.

Abstract: Mixed anionic complexes of the type (MW.sub.m Y.sub.n Z.sub.p).sup.r- wherein M is a paramagnetic ion; W, Y, and Z are each different ligands which chelate M; and m+n+p.gtoreq.2 but preferably less than 5, with the proviso that at least two different ligands W, Y, Z are present in the complex; are provided as versatile NMR contrast and shift reagents, especially for clinical diagnostic imaging and spectroscopic procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the ligands W, Y, Z is metabolizable by the target tissue, and at least one of the ligands W, Y, Z is substantially inert; the complex is thus tailorable to improve both physiological tolerance and tissue specificity of NMR contrast and shift reagents, while maintaining excellent contrast and shift effects for reliable and accurate results.

Abstract: A lysing agent and a method for utilizing the lysing agent in the identification and enumeration of cells of a select subclass of leucocytes is provided. The lysing agent includes formaldehyde, an alkali or alkaline earth salt of a weak acid and a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting infection and/or immunity in ruminants. The method includes the steps of conducting an assay of mononuclear cell function and measuring a parameter of inflammation of a sample of blood from a ruminant, and comparing the results obtained with a predetermined database. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for detecting tuberculosis in deer.

Abstract: Metal radionuclide labeled proteinaceous substances which contain, in their native states, disulfide (cysteine) linkages, which find use in diagnosis and treatment of a variety of pathologic conditions. The radionuclide labeled proteinaceous substances of the present invention are formed by the treatment of the proteinaceous substance of interest with a disulfide reducing agent, followed by reaction of the reduced proteinaceous substance ("H-treated product") with a suitable radionuclide species containing, for example, .sup.99m Tc, .sup.186 Re and .sup.188 Re, or .sup.67 Cu. It has been found that the H-treated products, e.g., antibodies, react specifically with radionuclide species to form stable radionuclide labeled antibodies or other radiolabeled products. The H-treated products may be stabilized or modified in a variety of ways prior to and subsequent to complexation with the metal radionuclide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new protein L and subfragments thereof with binding activity for all classes of immunoglobulins from different species, a process for preparing the same, a reagent kit, a pharmaceutical composition and strain 312 of P. magnus. The process for preparing the protein and subfragments thereof is characterized in that the microorganism P. magnus 312 is treated with proteolytic enzymes or mutanolysin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating bound label from unbound label within an assay mixture and for predispensing assay reactants in self-contained assay vessels, as well as a method for detecting the presence and/or amount of an analyte within a fluid sample, and a reusable detection vessel for use therein and with specific binding assays in general are disclosed. Significant to the separation of bound label from unbound label is the use of a cushion comprising generally one primary layer and in some cases one or more secondary layers.

Abstract: Nitroxide contrast agents for MRI have a long useful life and can be administered in low concentration doses. Such agents include nitroxide-doped liposomes that encapsulate an oxidant and large molecules having surfaces covered with persistent nitroxide free radicals.

Abstract: A substantially pure rheumatoid arthritis specific protein (RASP) and an antibody against the rheumatoid arthritis specific protein (anti-RASP antibody) are disclosed. The RASP is found specifically in the serum or plasma of a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, and may be detected using an anti-RASP antibody easily and effectively. Therefore, the anti-RASP antibody of the present invention is useful for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis by the criterion of the presence of RASP.

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: There are provided magnetic and non-magnetic agarose and agar polyaldehyde beads with diameters ranging from 40 microns up to 1 cm, and processes for the synthesis of such beads. The polyaldehyde compounds e.g. polyacrolein, polymethacrolein or polyglutaraldehyde, were used as microspheres or as powders. The agarose-polyaldehyde beads are capable of covalently binding in a single step, through their aldehyde groups, compounds containing primary amino groups or thiol groups, such as proteins, antibodies, enzymes and drugs. The beads are useful for various biological applications e.g. affinity chromatography, hemoperfusion, ion exchange resins, cell labeling, diagnostic purposes and cell separation.

Abstract: This invention relates to bifunctional coupling agents useful in forming conjugates with biologically useful molecules, such as antibodies. These conjugates can be complexed with radionuclide metal ions to provide materials useful for in vivo diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: In the NMR imaging of a subject comprising administering to such subject a composition containing an image-modifying effective amount of an image enhancer, permitting the enhancer to move through the subject, and after a time interval taking an NMR image of the subject, the improvement which comprises employing as said enhancer a complex of a paramagnetic polyvalent metal and a partial amide and/or ester of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The complexes are new.

Abstract: An in vivo NMR imaging method comprising administering to a human patient an NMR contrast agent comprising a specific affinity organic substituent complexed with a paramagnetic substance and subjecting the patient to NMR imaging.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specifically immunologically reactive to thiol-modified glutathione and hybridoma cell lines producing such monoclonal antibodies. A method of producing antibodies specifically immunologically reactive with reduced glutathione by immunizing an animal using a thiol-modified glutathione, for example, a glutathione-N-ethylmaleimide-keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugate. A method of utilizing the antibodies produced to quantitate the amount of reduced glutathione in a biological sample, to monitor glutathione-associated conditions, to monitor the formation of normal metabolic intermediates and to monitor the detoxification of foreign compounds.

Abstract: A unique cytologic and histologic fixative formulation and methods for using that formulation are disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane structure is disclosed having controlled capillarity useful in detecting cells in a solution by promoting effective contacting between cells and the membrane surface bearing affinity for selected cell sites. Also disclosed is a mtehod of using such membrane structures to detect particles in solution. One embodiment of the invention is an improved blood-typing device and method. The device may be attached to a blood bag, clamp, stick or the like, to provide a permanent visual record of blood type.

Abstract: A method of imaging a tumor by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of liver and/or spleen is provided which employes microspheres composed of a biodegradeable matrix material with a particulate superparamagnetic contrast agent therein. The microspheres have diameters of less than 1.5 microns, and the ferromagnetic contrast agent, such as magnetite, has a particle size below 300 Angstroms. The superparamagnetic microspheres when administered intravenously segregate through the reticuloendothelial system in the liver and spleen where they reduce the T.sub.2 relaxation time to obtain improved MR imaging. In the T.sub.2 or mixed T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 images obtained by the MRI examination, the normal liver and spleen tissues appear dark and the tumor appears light with distinct margins therebetween.

Abstract: A method for detecting a first member of a specific binding pair in a sample, the first member being capable of forming a complex with a second member of the specific binding pair, includes immobilizing the second member on a surface of a piezoelectric oscillator, determining a first vibrational frequency of the oscillator on which the second member has been immobilized, contacting the surface of the oscillator on which the second member has been immobilized with the sample under conditions permitting formation of the complex, and with a particle under conditions permitting binding of the particle with the first member, mass coupling the bound particle with the oscillator, and determining a second vibrational frequency of the oscillator with which the particle has been mass coupled, the difference between the first vibrational frequency and the second vibrational frequency providing a measure of the quantity of the first member in the sample.

Abstract: Method for labelling amine-containing compounds like proteins with a metal, particularly technetium-99m comprising reacting metal ions in an acidic medium with a compound represented by formulae (I) or (II), wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, alkanyl etc. to form a reactive intermediate compound and thereafter reacting said reactive intermediate compound with the amine-containing compound to be labeled. This kind of labeled amine-containing compounds have beneficial properties in immuno-diagnostic and therapeutic applications, particularly when they are used in vivo.