The present invention is directed to a fluorescent polarization assay for salicylate, to the various components needed for preparing and carrying out such an assay, and to methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for making them. The tracers and the immunogens are made from substituted benzoic acid compounds. A fluorescein moiety is included in the tracer, while a poly(amino acid) forms a part of the immunogen. The antibodies are prepared in response to the immunogen. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization retention of plane polarized light that has been passed through a sample containing antiserum and tracer.

L'invention concerne des dérivés d'acide benzoïque de formule: dans laquelle:

• - A représente une chaîne alkyle droite ou ramifiée comprenant de 5 à 10 atomes de carbone;
• - X représente l'atome d'oxygène ou une liaison directe;
• - R représente l'hydrogène ou un groupement alkyle de 2 à 6 atomes de carbone éventuellement substitué par une fonction alcool, et les sels desdits dérivés.

Ces dérivés ont une activité antimicrobienne et conviennent comme agents antiseptiques, désinfectants ou conservateurs, notamment dans les domaines de la pharmacie, la cosmétologie et l'agroalimentaire.

This invention relates to methods of preventing or reducing the degradation of elastin and other proteins and thereby preventing or retarding the disease states caused by said degradation by administering compounds of the formula: or their pharmacologically acceptable salts.