Antibody Techniques

The applicability of immunotechniques to a wide variety of research problems in many areas of biology and chemistry has expanded dramatically over the last two decades ever since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies and sophisticated immunosorbent techniques. Exquisitely specific antibody molecules provide means of separation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and localization useful to anyone doing biological or biochemical research. This practical guide to immunotechniques is especially designed to be easily understood by people with little practical experience using antibodies. It clearly presents detailed, easy-to-follow, step-by-step methods for the widely used techniques that exploit the unique properties of antibodies and will help researchers use antibodies to their maximum advantage. Detailed, easy-to-follow, step-by-step protocols Convenient, easy-to-use format Extensive practical information Essential background information Helpful hints

Written for researchers and professionals in the fields of biomedical research, immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathology, and biotechnology, Basic Methods in Antibody Production and Characterization uses a cookbook approach to presenting the methods for the production, characterization, and use of antibodies. Antibodies described

This book describes, in detail, tested techniques for the produc-tion and use of monoclonal antibodies. It covers those aspects of interest to all scientists working with monoclonal antibodies and presents methods in a step-by-step format for easy refer-ence. The text serves as a laboratory manual; and discusses rationale behind each method, and th

The American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) petitioned the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on April 23, 1997, to prohibit the use of animals in the production of mAb. On September 18, 1997, NIH declined to prohibit the use of mice in mAb production, stating that "the ascites method of mAb production is scientifically appropriate for some research projects and cannot be replaced." On March 26, 1998, AAVS submitted a second petition, stating that "NIH failed to provide valid scientific reasons for not supporting a proposed ban." The office of the NIH director asked the National Research Council to conduct a study of methods of producing mAb. In response to that request, the Research Council appointed the Committee on Methods of Producing Monoclonal Antibodies, to act on behalf of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research of the Commission on Life Sciences, to conduct the study. The 11 expert members of the committee had extensive experience in biomedical research, laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare, pain research, and patient advocacy (Appendix B). The committee was asked to determine whether there was a scientific necessity for the mouse ascites method; if so, whether the method caused pain or distress; and, if so, what could be done to minimize the pain or distress. The committee was also asked to comment on available in vitro methods; to suggest what acceptable scientific rationale, if any, there was for using the mouse ascites method; and to identify regulatory requirements for the continued use of the mouse ascites method. The committee held an open data-gathering meeting during which its members summarized data bearing on those questions. A 1-day workshop (Appendix A) was attended by 34 participants, 14 of whom made formal presentations. A second meeting was held to finalize the report. The present report was written on the basis of information in the literature and information presented at the meeting and the workshop.

This Methods in Molecular Biology volume covers in vitro and in vivo generation of antibodies, as well as techniques for screening, analysis and modification of antibodies and antibody fragments. Offers materials lists, protocols and troubleshooting tips."

This book is the second of a two-volume series covering the production of antibodies and their major applications. Volume I concentrates on how to raise monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and how to use them in a set of universally applied tests. Now Volume II extends this repertoire of antibody applications with detailed accounts of important labelled antibody techniques using radioisotopes, fluorochromes and enzymes, along with descriptions of red cell and tissue typing. Specific techniques described here include assays with radiolabels, ELISA and related enzyme immunoassays, immunoperoxidase methods, immunofluorescence, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, tumor immunodetection, blood group serology, and HLA serology. The volume will be invaluable for any researcher interested in making greater use of antibodies as research tools, or in updating their present methodology. The detail given is sufficient to enable immediate use of the protocols.