Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of a biologically active substance binding to a cell surface having both receptors to the substance and receptors for the Fc domain of an antibody that can complex with the substance or other antibodies that can complex with the substance. By exploiting the generally more numerous Fc receptor sites, substance binding can be increased and/or controlled. Method contemplates controlling amounts of substances such as cytokines, hormones, and growth factors that are associated with cells such as monocytes, macrophages, granulocytes, B cells, T cells, and platelets. Method is illustrated using conjugated antibodies to tissue necrosis factor (TNF) to increase the binding of TNF to monocytes.

Abstract: A biosensor detector method for detecting biological targets, using specific binding, or hybridization techniques coupled with enzymatic amplification and the mass sensing capability of a piezoelectric oscillator. An optical biosensor is also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of novel aminodextran compounds containing about 5-20% by weight amine groups to bind a plurality of monoclonal antibodies. The resulting antibody-aminodextran compounds may be used to induce the activation and proliferation of selected mammalian cells. Specific examples are given using an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody conjugated two aminodextrans containing about 5% and 16%, respectively, by weight amine groups as an agent for inducing the activation and proliferation of T cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize a specific structural portion of cardiac glycoside.The monoclonal antibodies of the present invention recognize an integrated structure in the steroid structure of cardiac glycoside or its aglycon comprising: a D-ring bonded in the cis-configuration with respect a C-ring; a methyl group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C13 position; a hydroxyl group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C14 position; and, an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated lactone group bonded in the .beta.-configuration at the C17 position. This structure is common to cardiac glycoside substances that inhibit potassium ion concentration antagonist type Na.sup.+,K.sup.+ -ATPase.

Abstract: Analytical reagents designated "release tags", for labeling molecular species with a highly detectable signal group which can be released in the form of a volatile compound at a desired point in an analytical procedure. In one embodiment, the release tags have the formula(SgCo).sub.x L(Rx).sub.rwherein each Sg is a signal group bearing one or more electronegative substituents, L is any of a wide variety of groups which when attached to a carbonyl group form a readily cleaved linkage, each COL moiety is a release group which upon scission releases signal group Sg in the form of a volative compound, and each Rx is a reactivity group for attaching the release tag compound to a molecular species to be labeled. In a second embodiment, the release tags have the formulaSgReRxwherein Sg and Rx are defined as above and Re is a release group which is an olefin, .alpha.-hydroxy ketone or vicinal diol. Conjugates of the release tag compounds and assay methods employing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment or both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine by active immunization and also passive immunization.

Abstract: The invention relates to monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof which are specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae P2 protein and have a cross-reactivity of 1% or less with five other species of the genus Mycoplasma and other pathogen species of the concomitant flora, and to methods for the preparation of the monoclonal antibodies according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to hybridomas which produce the antibodies according to the invention, and to methods for the preparation thereof. Finally, the invention relates to the use of the monoclonal antibodies according to the invention for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrochemically measuring the concentration of fructosamine, or its high alkalinity eneaminol tautomer in a body fluid sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for the preparation of semisolid particles or cells that have been chemically derivatized resulting in hydrazide functionalities covalently incorporated onto cell surface membrane molecules of the semisolid particles or cells, as well as a method for determining the levels of hydrazide groups on the particles or cells. The method involves the preparation and analysis of red blood cells chemically derivatized in such a manner that hydrazide functionalities have been covalently incorporated onto the cell membrane molecules, the preparation of hydrazine derivatized cells and the use thereof of the novel cells in agglutination reactions to promote the attachment of antigens and antibodies to the hydrazine derivatized cells without loss of antibody activity or the blocking of the etitope of interest.

Abstract: Method for a homogeneous biospecific affinity assay for determining the content of a substance (analyte) in a biological sample. The assay is carried out in an aqueous reaction medium by means of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and with a biospecific affinity reactant labeled with a lanthanide chelate in which a lanthanide ion exhibiting ionic fluorescence is chelated by a ligand bound covalently to the reactant. The characteristic feature is(i) that the lanthanide chelate formed by the lanthanide ion together with the covalently bound ligand forms a fluorescent chelate, and(ii) that a modulator is added which stabilizes the lanthanide chelate so that the lanthanide fluorescence as measured from the medium becomes a practically pure function of the analyte concentration therein.

Abstract: Methods for screening individuals for Alzheimer's disease are disclosed. Also disclosed are antibodies that immunochemically react with the isoforms of calcium-activated neutral proteinases which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Also disclosed are methods for screening drugs which are useful in treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Tightly focused beams of laser light are used as "optical tweezers" to trap and manipulate polarizable objects such as microspheres of glass or latex with diameters on the order of 4.5 .mu.m. When analytes are allowed to adhere to the microspheres, small quantities of these analytes can be manipulated, thus allowing their detection and quantitation even when amounts and concentrations of the analytes are extremely small. Illustrative examples include measuring the strength needed to break antibody-antigen bonds and the detection of DNA sequences.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and reagents for the specific quantification of amitriptyline or nortriptyline in a test sample are disclosed employing antibodies prepared with amitriptyline or nortriptyline derivatives of the Formula III: ##STR1## wherein for amitriptyline, R is CH.sub.3, and for nortriptyline, R is H. The present invention also describes the synthesis of unique fluorescein tracers of the structure of Formula IV and Formula V: ##STR2## wherein for a specific amitriptyline immunoassay, W.sub.1 is a heteroatom linked to the aromatic ring at the 2 or 3 position, and for a specific nortriptyline immunoassay, W.sub.2 is two heteroatoms linked together and attached to the aromatic ring at the 2 or 3 position, and wherein Q is a detectable moiety, preferably fluorescein or a fluorescein derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antiteicoplanin polyclonal antibodies raised against a composition consisting of teicoplanin encapsulated in negatively-charged liposomes and the antibodies are not immunoreactive with any other antibiotics. The present invention relates to a method for determining the amount of teicoplanin in a biological sample, which comprises the steps of a) incubating anti-teicoplanin antiserum of the present invention with a biological sample containing an unknown amount of teicoplanin on a solid support; b) incubating anti-teicoplanin polyclonal antibodies of the present invention in serum with a standard containing a known amount of teicoplanin on a solid support; and c) determining the presence or absence of agglutination in step a) and b) whereby determining the unknown amount of teicoplanin present in the biological sample by comparing with the complete inhibition of agglutination of step b).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting antigens having a specific epitope associated with Melanoma. The epitope is present in melanoma cells but is essentially absent from melanocytes cites or other human tumor cells. The antibody can be used in diagnostic methods for histochemical detection of human melanoma of various progression stages and in treatment of melanoma.

Abstract: Activation-state-specific and protein-specific antiphosphoprotein antibodies and methods for their production are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for evaluating the prognosis and therapeutic outcome for patients using the antiphosphoprotein antibodies and methods for characterizing the activation state of a reversibly phosphorylated protein, kits including the antibodies for use in characterizing the activation state of a protein, and methods for evaluating the agonist or antagonist activity of pharmaceutically useful compounds towards the conversion of a specific protein from its inactive to its active state.

Abstract: Sites on antibodies having affinity for photoaffinity compounds, in particular purine or azidopurine containing compounds are taught. These sites provide for the site-specific attachment of nucleotide photoaffinity compounds to antibodies, e.g., ATP- or GTP-analog photoaffinity compounds by photochemical reaction. These nucleotide photoaffinity compounds may additionally be attached to molecules having a desired therapeutic or diagnostic activity, and the resultant conjugates used as diagnostics or therapeutics.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for preparing antibodies that specifically detect the type IV collagen .alpha.5 chain that is defective in various basement membrane disorders such as in X chromosome-linked Alport's syndrome. The invention further provides for the use of such antibodies to detect the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in solutions and other human tissue specimens using immunological methods comprised of antibodies specific for said protein. Along this line, the invention relates to the use of the specific antibodies to examine the presence or absence of the .alpha.5(IV) collagen chain in the tissues, e.g. skin or kidneys, etc. of patients with renal failure, possibly due to Alport's syndrome. In addition, a further object of the present invention is to provide compositions, comprising both labeled and unlabeled peptides containing sequences from the .alpha.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for monitoring chemicals used to prevent corrosion in industrial water containers. The invention is useful for chemicals such as polymers, in particular water soluble, vinyl polymers. Monoclonal antibodies are used in assays to determine the presence or concentration of the chemicals in a fluid, in particular water used in industrial systems.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or treating vascular hemorrhaging such as that incident to thrombolytic therapy, or characteristic of Alzheimer's and related diseases are provided. Such methods provide improved thrombolytic therapy to individuals who receive such therapy, and permit the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, that are characterized by the deposition of amyloid deposits.

Abstract: A method is described for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis by providing a recombinant antigen (RAMA) and detecting rheumatoid arthritis-associated IgM antibodies against the RAMA antigen in patient sera. The RAMA antigen comprises SEQ ID NO:3 and peptides substantially homologous thereto. A purified and isolated DNA encoding the RAMA antigen and a transformed host containing the DNA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for assaying a fluid sample, typically employing a fluorescent tag, the system comprising a lens capable of focussing both excitation and fluorescent radiation, a fluid-flow conducting conduit being provided in the lens extending transversely of the optical axis of and through the focal region of the latter. One or more mechanical screens are disposed adjacent to the focal region in the conduit to arrest passage of beads as a function of bead diameter. The beads, precoated with at least a moiety of a ligand/conjugate complex, e.g. a specific-binding ligand, are preferably substantially transparent to both the excitation and fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: The invention describes two immunogenic regions of the E7 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16), one immunoreactive region being located downstream from nucleotide 595 and the other being located downstream from nucleotide 667 of the HPV 16 genome.

Abstract: Novel nitroaromatic compounds and immunogenic conjugates comprising a novel nitroaromatic compound and a carrier protein are disclosed. The invention further presents monoclonal antibodies highly specific for the claimed nitroaromatic compounds, the compounds' protein conjugates, the compounds' reductive byproducts, and adducts formed between the compounds and mammalian hypoxic cell tissue proteins. The invention is further directed to methods for detecting tissue hypoxia using immunohistological techniques, non-invasive nuclear medicinal methods, or nuclear magnetic resonance. Diagnostic kits useful in practicing the methods of claimed invention are also provided.

Abstract: Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and fragments thereof are described which are capable of binding to specific members or groups of O,O-dialkyl-O-(X) phosphorothioate compounds, where X is an aromatic or heterocyclic group or substituted aromatic or substituted heterocyclic group. Specifically, organophosphorus pesticides (e.g. fenitrothion, chloryrifos-methyl, and pirimiphos-methyl) are conjugated to a carrier with a beta-alanine spacer and used as an immunogen for raising antibodies. Hybridoma cell lines, methods for making the antibodies, and assays and kits including the antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in body fluids, wherein high density lipoprotein (HDL) antibodies are added to a sample to be investigated, insolubles formed are separated off and the LDL or one of its components is determined in the supernatant. The present invention also provides a reagent for the determination of the LDL fraction in body fluids, wherein it contains HDL antibodies.

Abstract: An in vitro solid-phase, competitive assay for detecting the presence of a peptide analyte in a biological sample comprises contacting a fusion protein, of first and second peptides, with a solid supported first antibody or fragment thereof, which binds the first peptide, adding a biological sample containing the peptide analyte and a second antibody or fragment thereof which binds the peptide analyte and the second peptide. The second antibody is allowed to bind any free analyte present in the sample, and to form solid supported complexes of fusion protein and antibody. The amount of solid supported second antibody detected is then compared to a control. When the amount of peptide analyte in the sample increases the amount of second antibody bound to the solid support decreases. An optional final addition of an antibody-binding molecule helps detect the solid supported complexes of the fusion protein and the second antibody or fragment.

Abstract: A method of assaying a human urine sample, by measuring a concentration of pyridinium crosslinks from which the concentration of total hydrolysed pyridinoline in the sample can be determined, is disclosed. In the method, a urine sample is reacted with an anti-Pyd antibody reagent which preferably has a ratio of reactivity toward native free pyridinoline and urinary pyridinoline peptides larger than 1,000 daltons in molecular weight, of greater than 10:1. By measuring the extent of immunocomplex formed by the reaction, the concentration of total hydrolysed pyridinoline in the sample can be calculated. Also disclosed are an antibody reagent and kit which can be used in the method.

Abstract: The invention describes the use of novel aminodextran compounds containing about 5-20% by weight amine groups to bind a plurality of monoclonal antibodies. The resulting antibody-aminodextran compounds may be used to induce the activation and proliferation of selected mammalian cells. Specific examples are given using an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody conjugated two aminodextrans containing about 5% and 16%, respectively, by weight amine groups as an agent for inducing the activation and proliferation of T cells.

Abstract: Small organometallic probes comprise a core of metal atoms bonded to organic moieties. The metal atoms are gold, silver, platinum, palladium, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a multifunctional organometallic probe comprises a core of metal atoms surrounded by a shell of organic moieties covalently attached to the metal atoms, a fluorescent molecule, e.g., fluorescein, covalently attached to one of the organic moieties, and a targeting molecule, e.g., an antibody, covalently attached to another of the organic moieties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated preparation of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies which react specifically with human prostate-specific glandular kallikrein (hK2), but which do not cross-react with human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), as well as immunogenic hK2 antigens useful to provide such antibodies.

Abstract: A method of immunologically assaying intact human osteocalcin in a human assay sample is provided by using an antibody having an epitope in a region of an amino acid sequence 1 to 20 on the N-terminal side of human osteocalcin and an antibody having an epitope in a region of an amino acid sequence 36 to 49 on the C-terminal side of human osteocalcin. A reagent and a kit therefor are provided. Furthermore, a method of immunologically assaying the total amount of human intact osteocalcin in a human assay sample, and a reagent and a kit therefor are also provided. A monoclonal antibody and a polyclonal antibody are used for the assay. A process for producing these antibodies, and utilization of these antibodies is described.

Abstract: A compound of the structure ##STR1## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each, independently, hydrogen or ##STR2## X is ##STR3## Y is ##STR4## Z is --CH.sub.2 --, --S--S--, or ##STR5## R.sup.3 is hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, --(CH.sub.2).sub.q CO.sub.2 R.sup.5, --(CH.sub.2).sub.r NR.sup.6 R.sup.7, carbamylalkyl, aminoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, guanylalkyl, mercaptoalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, indolylmethyl, hydroxyphenylmethyl, imidazoylmethyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, or phenyl which is optionally mono-, di-, or tri-substituted;R.sup.4, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 are each, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, or arylalkyl;R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or phenyl which is optionally mono-, di-, or tri-substituted;h=0-1;j=0-1;m=0-6;n=0-6;p=0-10;q=0-10;r=0-6;with the proviso that R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are not both hydrogen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is useful for inducing immunosuppression; in the treatment of transplantation rejection, host vs.

Abstract: In a process for the purification of cytokeratin 20 (CK 20), a cytoskeletal fraction of cells containing CK 20 is produced, the proteins present therein are separated by gel electrophoresis or/and by chromatography and the CK 20 is isolated from the gel or the chromatographic fraction containing CK 20. In a process according to the present invention for the production of antibodies specific for CK 20, purified CK 20 is used for the immunization and then polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are produced according to well-known methods. These antibodies are used for the immunologically identification of CK 20, or its .alpha.-helical central fragment obtained by proteolytic cleavage on tissue sections, in tissue homogenates and in body fluids.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel method for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Further disclosed is an approximately 230 kDa protein and the use of such protein in detection assays for Staphylococcus aureus and in other diagnostic applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to artificial positive control reagents based on antibody conjugates that are used in immunochemical detection methods and to processes for the preparation of these reagents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of obtaining antibodies specific to a population of T-lymphocytes (T cells) restricted by V.beta. gene usage. The invention also relates to the antibodies obtained and to methods of using them. According to the invention, T cells are incubated with an effective amount of a superantigen under conditions and for a time sufficient to allow division and growth of T-cells reactive to the superantigen. The incubated T-cells are injected into a mammal, and thereafter serum containing antibodies specific to the incubated and injected T-cells is removed from the mammal.

Abstract: New and useful methods of producing stabilized enzyme antibody conjugates are disclosed which are particularly useful in forming multi-layer immunoassay test devices. In particular, the invention concerns the formation of a manganese ion and enzyme-antibody conjugate in aqueous solution and drying the solution to produce a dry stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate. Further, this stabilized enzyme-antibody conjugate can be formed on a continuous web and dried in a heat tunnel. This continuous manufacturing process allows for the more efficient production of multi-layer test strips.

Abstract: Antigenic compositions are disclosed for use in diagnostic kits and the like for detecting the presence of antibodies specific for Campylobacter pylori, bacteria often associated with the occurrence of Type B gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Samples of bodily fluids, for instance, may be contacted with immobilized antigen which is then washed and tested for the occurrence of significant levels of antigen/antibody complex. Levels exceeding a predetermined positive threshold are indicative of antibodies to Campylobacter pylori in the sample tested. Kits employing the antigenic compositions of the invention preferably include means for detecting the antigen/antibody complex such as materials and reagents for conducting an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot technique, liposome-based assay or other known detection tests.

Abstract: A chemical moiety is disclosed which comprises a chemical, biochemical, or biological substance attached to one or more electrochemiluminescent organometallic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the substance is attached to one or more ruthenium-containing or osmium-containing luminescent organometallic compounds. Methods are disclosed for detecting very small amounts of the chemical moiety using chemiluminescent, electrochemiluminescent, and photoluminescent means. Compounds are disclosed which are useful for labelling substances of interest with ruthenium-containing and osmium-containing labels or other electrochemiluminescent labels. These labelled substances are useful in methods provided for detecting and quantifying analytes of interest in binding assays and competitive binding assays. The labelled substances are of particular use in homogeneous binding assays.

Abstract: An affinity column antibody purification method using a synthetic hCG analyte-analog insolubilized on a support material. The immobilized hCG analyte-analogs are peptide sequences which duplicate or mimic the determinants formed by the amino acid residues of the C-terminus peptide sequence or portions or variants thereof. The antibodies produced according to the present invention are useful in immunoassays for hCG.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the purification of the human chorionic gonadotropin .beta.-core molecule which can then be used as the antigen in the preparation of antibodies to the .beta.-core molecule. The combination of the purified .beta.-core molecule and the antibodies can be used in an immunoassay kit to measure .beta.-core molecules in the presence of structurally similar molecules, i.e., hCG, LH, hCG.beta.-subunit and LH.beta.-subunit. Measurement of the .beta.-core molecule is particularly useful in testing for pregnancy and many malignancies.

Abstract: A Raman label which, upon radiation, produces a detectable Raman scattering signal in a ligand-binding assay for an analyte in a test sample. A conjugate containing a Raman label attached to a specific binding member.

Abstract: Pre-activated stable protein reagents are provided. The reagents can be made by reaction of the protein and a heterobifunctional linker and have extended stability especially after lyophilisation. The reagents can be used in assay kits to form conjugates with proteins e.g. antibodies or polynucleotides e.g. oligonucleotides probes.

Abstract: Method for the immunological determination of a ligand in which the ligand to be determined is reacted witha) at least 2 molecules of a specifically bindable substance P2 of which at least one of these molecules carries a label andb) a receptor R which consists of a binding partner P1 which is capable of monovalent binding to P2 and a binding site R.sub.1 for the ligand to be determined and then the label is determined,as well as a reagent for the immunological determination of a ligand which contains a specifically bindable substance P2 which is present at least partially in labelled form and a receptor R which consists of a binding partner P1 which is capable of monovalent binding to P2 and a binding site R.sub.1 for the ligand to be determined.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody and the hybridoma producing the antibody are disclosed. The antibody is produced against an epitope on native secreted forms of .beta.APP. A characteristic of the antibody is that the antibody specifically binds to at least one protein in culture medium in which neuroblastoma cells have been grown. This protein co-migrates in non-reducing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with PN-2 isolated from human fibroblast cultures. Other characteristics of the antibody are that the antibody specifically binds to PN-2 and to the secreted form of .beta.APP lacking the Kunitz-type inhibitor domain, the antibody selectively binds to neuritic plaques, and the antibody is sufficiently sensitive to detect secreted forms of .beta.APP in CSF, down to a total concentration of the secreted forms of .beta.APP of 3.75 .mu.g/ml or lower.

Abstract: Hair treatment compositions, hair damage protective agents and hair care products, each contain an active ingredient comprising an antibody which binds to human hair keratins which constitute intermediate-diameter filaments. This antibody can be produced efficiently and in a large quantities from the milk of a bovid animal immunized with said keratins. As this antibody binds to the hair specifically, it is effective in preventing the elution of proteins from the hair, imparting smoothness and flexibility to the hair, and improving the adaptability to combing and luster of the hair.

Abstract: A method for rapid identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a sample containing suspect colonies which includes the steps of:(i) coating latex particles with a solution of antibodies or antisera against outer membrane proteins of V. parahaemolyticus at an appropriate concentration to obtain a latex reagent, and(ii) mixing the sample with the latex reagent obtained in the (i) under conditions appropriate to complete agglutination; and a kit for accomplishing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing CMP-activated fluorescence indicator-labelled sialic acids is disclosed. According to the process, a 5-acylamido-9-amino-3,5,9-tridesoxy-.beta.-D-glycero-D-galactonoulosonic acid or 5-aminoacylamido-3,5-didesoxy-.beta.-D-glycero-D-galactonoulosonic acid is reacted with cytidine phosphate in the presence of a CMP-sialic acid synthase which is then reacted with a fluorescing compound to give a CMP-activated fluorescing sialic acid. Also disclosed are novel CMP-activated fluorescing sialic acids.

Abstract: Monospecific antibodies are produced which are specific for fragments of the connective tissue protein aggrecan, generated by specific stromelysin cleavage. These monospecific antibodies are used in an assay system to detect polypeptide fragments of aggrecan, produced by the specific cleavage of aggrecan by stromelysin. The presence of aggrecan polypeptide fragments demonstrates stromelysin activity. Elevations of stromelysin occur in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerotic lesions, gout, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), certain cancers, joint injuries, and numerous inflammatory diseases. The monospecific antibodies and the assay system are used to quantitate aggrecan polypeptide fragments as a readout of stromelysin activity and to evaluate potential stromelysin inhibitors.