Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a systemic or autoimmune disorder and methods for treating the same by inducing the production of or otherwise providing an autoantibody that recognizes a skin basement membrane component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of imaging cardiac neurotransmission in vivo in a human subject using adrenergic imaging agents. The method comprises obtaining two separate images with the same adrenergic imaging agent. One of the images is obtained in conjunction with the administration of a compound known to interfere with the uptake of the particular imaging agent in question. Comparison of the two images enables additional information to be obtained in relation to the status of cardiac neurotransmission in said subject compared with imaging with adrenergic imaging agent alone. The invention also provides a method of imaging cardiac neurotransmission in a human subject in vivo wherein a single image is obtained using an adrenergic imaging agent in conjunction with the administration of a non-pharmaceutical dose of an agent known to interfere with the uptake of the imaging agent.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a systemic or autoimmune disorder and methods for treating the same by inducing the production of or otherwise providing an autoantibody that recognizes a skin basement membrane component.

Abstract: The present invention relies on the affinity of stressed or apoptotic cells for exogenously administered annexin V to create a multi-functional molecular probe that can be simultaneously used for imaging (localization of unstable plaque within the body) and therapy (treatment of unstable plaque).

Abstract: An immunoassay method including reacting a sample from a patient with a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody includes one antibody specific for a compound to be detected and a second antibody specific for a compound foreign to said patient sample, and subsequently reacting the patient sample with a polymer probe, wherein the polymer probe includes a compound recognized by the second antibody in the bispecific antibody complex and further includes at least two detectable signals; the bispecific antibody; and the polymer probe of the immunoassay method are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay method including reacting a sample from a patient with a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody includes one antibody specific for a compound to be detected and a second antibody specific for a compound foreign to said patient sample, and subsequently reacting the patient sample with a polymer probe, wherein the polymer probe includes a compound recognized by the second antibody in the bispecific antibody complex and further includes at least two detectable signals; the bispecific antibody; and the polymer probe of the immunoassay method are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a systemic or autoimmune disorder and methods for treating the same by inducing the production of or otherwise providing an autoantibody that recognizes a skin basement membrane component.

Abstract: An immunoassay method including reacting a sample from a patient with a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody includes one antibody specific for a compound to be detected and a second antibody specific for a compound foreign to said patient sample, and subsequently reacting the patient sample with a polymer probe, wherein the polymer probe includes a compound recognized by the second antibody in the bispecific antibody complex and further includes at least two detectable signals; the bispecific antibody; and the polymer probe of the immunoassay method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting very low concentrations of a molecule in a mixture. The detection of the molecule comprises the steps of first contacting a sample with a multispecific molecule capable of binding at least two molecules including the molecule to be detected, wherein the molecule to be detected is bound by the multispecific molecule thereby forming a complex, and second contacting the complex with a second, different molecule which is linked via a polymer to multiple detection signaling molecules. The invention may also be practiced by administration of the multispecific molecule in vivo, to a host for the molecule to be detected, either with or without the bound polymer probe and thereafter, respectively, either detecting the signaling molecule on the probe, or administering the probe and allowing it to bind the multispecific molecule, followed by detection of the signaling molecule on the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of salvaging a target cell from cell death, comprising contacting a target cell having a disrupted cell membrane with a specific affinity reagent-liposome conjugate in an amount effective and for a time sufficient to allow the conjugate to prevent cell death due to membrane disruption; and determining the viability of the target cell. Methods of delivering a selected agent into a damaged target cell for diagnosis and therapy are also disclosed.