Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Novel methods for radiolabeling sulfhydryl group-bearing biomolecules, novel compositions useful for radiolabeling sulfhydryl group-bearing biomolecules, kits comprising such novel compositions and methods for imaging mammalian, preferably human, tissue employing radiolabelled biomolecules are described. The methods, compositions and kits of the present invention are useful for labeling sulfhydryl group-bearing biomolecules such as whole molecule proteins, protein fragments or peptides, in particular, monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, and especially, antifibrin MH1 monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: An in vitro immunoassay to detect and quantitate soluble crosslinked and non-crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers in a sample from a subject. The assay can be used to support a diagnosis of, to evaluate, and to monitor, in a mammalian subject, a thrombotic event, including, but not limited to, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method for producing antibodies using as an immunogen a composition comprising soluble crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers and soluble non-crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers. The invention provides a method for producing fibrin-specific antibodies which, for the purposes of the present invention, are defined as antibodies that specifically bind to soluble crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers and soluble non-crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers, but which do not specifically bind to: (a) fibrinogen, (b) plasmin-derived fibrinogen degradation products, (c) DesAA fibrin monomers, (d) DesAA fibrin polymers, (e) DesAABB fibrin monomers, (f) crosslinked fibrinogen, (g) DesAA fibrin monomer-fibrinogen complex, and (h) plasmin-derived fibrin degradation products.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized germfree animal. The invention also provides methods for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized germfree animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method of obtaining lymphocytes making a highly specific antibody by immunizing an antigen-free mouse and removing the blood, lymph nodes or spleen from the immunized mouse. Alternatively, a method of making highly specific poly clonal antibodies by immunizing an antigen-free mouse and removing serum from the mouse. Specific embodiments include multiple immunizations, immunizations with dissolved antigens, and immunizations with adjuvants.

Abstract: Methods for the use of a fibrin-specific antibody for in vivo inhibition of thrombus formation. Pharmaceutical compositions, as well as kits, for use in such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An in vitro immunoassay to detect and quantitate soluble crosslinked and non-crosslinked DesAABB fibrin polymers in a sample from a subject. The assay can be used to support a diagnosis of, to evaluate, and to monitor, in a mammalian subject, a thrombotic event, including, but not limited to, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.

Abstract: The subject invention relates a method for the production of monoclonal antibodies. The method utilizes an immunized antigen free animal. The invention also provides a method for the use of such monoclonal antibodies, and polyclonal antibodies derived from an immunized antigen free animal, for in vitro and in vivo clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Also, the subject invention provides a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a fibrin-specific monoclonal antibody wherein said monoclonal antibody does not crossreact with: (a) fibrinogen, (b) plasmin derived fibrinogen degradation products and (c) plasmin derived fibrin degradation products.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a fibrinogen-specific monoclonal antibody wherein said monoclonal antibody: (a) binds to the isolated A.alpha. chain of fibrinogen, (b) does not prolong the conversion time of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin, (c) binds to fibrin and (d) does not crossreact with plasmin derived fibrinogen degradation products. The subject invention also covers the use of such a monoclonal antibody in an immunoassay for the determination of plasma fibrinogen levels in vitro.