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Archive for the ‘Antibodies’ Category

With the discovery of monoclonal antibodies, has become the kid’s dream of immunologists, have absolutely homogeneous antibodies occurring in continuous FORIM, and always with the same specificity and affinity. Before this procedure for obtaining the antibodies, was long and tedious. First, we had to inject antigens in animals. This has the serious drawback of the heterogeneity and variability of the antibodies obtained as well as the presence of serum protein contaminants, which are almost impossible to separate. On the other hand, for the amount of antibody sufficient to inject several animals simultaneously, with the disadvantage that the antibodies obtained vary greatly from one animal to another, both in quantity and specificity and affinity. With monoclonal antibody technique, have been remedied all these defects, and as a result, it has opened a vast new chapter in the life science research and especially in medicine.

The discovery was made ​​in Cambridge (England) in 1975 by Cesar Milstein (Argentine a refugee who fled political repression in their country), and the Swiss George Kohler. So won the Nobel Prize in 1984. In the beginning was not great importance to the technology described and the authors do not even patented the process. Today has become a tremendously important tool in biological research and huge projections in the medical field. Suffice it to say that in 1987, the sale of products manufactured by this technology, exceeded $ 130 million in 1990 and over two million dollars. The antibody-producing cells are lymphocytes B. They can be extracted from spleen and cultured in vitro, but do not survive beyond a few divisions. The importance of the discovery, was to make these B cells fuse with myeloma cells (cancerous célu1as), known to be able to reproduce indefinitely in a suitable culture medium (Figure 1). In these hybrid cells was achieved something fundamental: to unite the ability to live indefinitely in myeloma cells and antibody producing B lymphocytes This procedure yielded immortal cells producing antibodies. All this coupled with the fact that each cell produces a specific antibody, so that a hybrid cell separate from the others, you can make an antibody that is always the same. Technical production procedure for producing monoclonal antibodies delay, usually four months (Figure 2). To this end, the antigen injected into mice, even when it is not pure. Read the rest of this entry »

Incoming search terms for the article:

Is defined as an antigen (Ag) any molecule that can be specifically recognized by each of the components of the immune system. In a narrower sense, the antigen is any molecule capable of inducing the production of specific antibodies and activation of T lymphocytes, also accurate.

The antibodies (Ab), also known as immunoglobulins , are a group of serum molecules produced by B lymphocytes. The different types of antibodies have a basic structure common to them all, but the site you bind to the antigen is specific to each, the portion of the molecule that binds to the antigen is called the Fab region, while the area interacts with other elements of the immune system is called the Fc region .

B and T lymphocytes are genetically programmed to encode and recognize a specific surface receptor for a particular antigen, even before coming into contact with him, after which multiply and differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies.

When there is contact between the lymphocyte and the antigen, lymphocytes capable of recognizing begin a process of proliferation, called clonal selection , within a few days leading to the existence of a sufficient number to cause an immune response that allows elimination of this substance. Read the rest of this entry »

When the sick man begins the internal struggle against foreign organisms that cause disease, the system immune starts and secretes specific antibodies for combating and eliminating bacteria, parasites or viruses that cause discomfort. Also known as immunoglobulins, antibodies areglycoproteins that circulate in the blood to hunt for antigens that damage the body. Knowledge of the mechanism of human body’s response against the antigens that cause disease has led to the vaccines , which make the body forward to making it possible contagion immune.

The basic function of neutralizing antibodies is the external elements, antigens such as bacteria, parasites and viruses. In addition, each immunoglobulin is unique and specific to each type of antigen.

The antibodies, once produced, they remain circulating in the blood for months, creating immunity for long periods at a certain antigen. This is the basis of the vaccine : creating immunity to certain organisms such pathogens outside segregation after causing the immune system of the corresponding immunoglobulins.

The antibodies are proteins produced by lymphocytes (B cells), part of the immune system. In the body, the antibodies bind to target molecules (antigens) that are present in foreign objects that enter the body, such as pollen or bacteria. The target molecules (target) are most times, but not all, proteins. The antibodies can also bind to antigens on the surface of other cells, including cancer cells. The binding of an antibody to an antigen marks the target cell or foreign object for destruction and disposal.

The interaction between antibody and antigen is very accurate and is analogous to the interaction between a key and a lock. Any B cell can produce only one type of antibody, but our cells contain millions of different types of B cells That is why there are so many types of antibodies in us. In fact, our bodies have the ability to respond to each of the thousands or millions of different possible antigens which are exposed during our lives. When a particular B cell encounters its antigen, it is played to create a large number of cells. Several of these daughter cells have a long life. They can live for years after the encounter with the antigen to the immune system and provide a type of memory. A second exposure to the same antigen leads to a faster and stronger response. This long-term memory is the basis for vaccines. The remaining cells have a short life and produce a large amount of antibodies. Read the rest of this entry »

Like monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies assist the physicians in the treatment and location of some types of medical examinations. Although the two classes of antibodies have a similar function, are quite different. If you are looking for polyclonal and want more information, this article gives an overview about the concept and what is their function.

What are the polyclonal antibodies?
Polyclonal antibodies are produced when a mammal is immunized. Normally you use a mouse, goat, or rabbit, but the use of large mammals have the ability to be advantageous since they provide a greater amount of blood plasma. When the antigen is injected, the resources of B cells producing polyclonal antibodies, which are then taken from the plasma of animals and purified. A distinction of monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies are extracted from more than one cell line. These antibodies assist the physicians in many clinical practices.

How do you pick the animals?

Because animals are an essential part of polyclonal antibodies, the choice is quite significant. As mentioned above, the most commonly used animals are mice, goats and rabbits, however, the choice is not restricted solely to them. Guinea pigs, hamsters, horses , and sheep are also known to be involved in the creation of polyclonal antibodies. Animals have to demonstrate the characteristics required for the creation of antibodies, which is quite significant. If it requires a greater amount of blood plasma, using a large animal would be more beneficial because they produce a substantial amount of blood plasma. In this case, goats and horses are the best choice. Read the rest of this entry »

Like monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies help doctors in the treatment and location of certain types of medical tests. Although the two classes of antibodies have a similar function, are quite different. If you are looking for polyclonal and want more information, this article gives an overview about the concept and what is their function. What are the polyclonal antibodies? Polyclonal antibodies are produced when a mammal is immunized.

Normally you use a mouse, goat, or rabbit, but the use of large mammals have the ability to be advantageous since they provide a greater amount of blood plasma. When the antigen is injected, the resources of B cells producing polyclonal antibodies, which are then taken from the animal plasma and purified. A distinction of monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies are extracted from more than one cell line.

These antibodies assist the physicians in many clinical practices. How do you select the animals? Because animals are a key part of polyclonal antibodies, the selection is very important. As mentioned above, the most commonly used animals are mice, goats and rabbits, however, the choice is not restricted solely to them. Guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, and sheep are also known to be involved in the production of polyclonal antibodies. The animals should show the characteristics necessary for the production of antibodies, which is very important. Read the rest of this entry »

In the fight against cancer, monoclonal antibodies are considered the most conmunmente used. Recently this type of therapy has gained popularity and has continued to grow and evolve from each new discovery. There are new methods that although in its early stages, seeking new and effective ways to use monoclonal antibodies in the fight against cancer diseases. Because there are those who are unaware of this issue, this article seeks to inform you on how to use monoclonal antibodies and what are the benefits to cancer patients.

What exactly are they?
A setback of polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies are produced in a laboratory, are intended to adhere to the defects in cancer cells, and perform the functions of the body’s natural antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies respond to germs, vaccines and other immune system problems. The first monoclonal antibodies were produced using cells from mice. Such antibodies can be used in the treatment of various sleep cancers, including breast and kidney, among others. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, for its acronym in English) has been approving these antibodies in the last 10 years to treat these cancers.

What are their functions?
Basically antibodies recruit the immune system to do its work, and work to destroy cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies (Mab, the English sentence, monoclonal antibodies) work to adhere to cancer cells in order to act as a signal for the body’s immune system acts. They are usually put to use in the early stages of cancer treatment. Another type is the conjugated Mabs that are connected to drugs, toxins, or radioactive substances that are used to deliver these treatments directly to cancer cells. The conjugated monoclonal antibodies circulate through the body until they locate the target antigen. Once attached, ensure that the substance reaches the location where needed. Read the rest of this entry »

Like monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies assist the physicians in the treatment and location of some types of medical examinations. Although the two classes of antibodies have a similar function, are quite different. If you are looking for polyclonal and want more information, this article gives an overview about the concept and what is their function.

What are the polyclonal antibodies?
Polyclonal antibodies are produced when a mammal is immunized. Usually taken to a mouse, goat, or rabbit, but the use of large mammals can be beneficial since they provide a greater amount of blood plasma. When the antigen is injected, the resources of B cells producing polyclonal antibodies, which are then taken from the animal plasma and purified. A distinction of monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies are extracted from more than one cell line. These antibodies help doctors in medical practices.

How do you select the animals?
Because animals are an essential part of polyclonal antibodies, the choice is quite significant. As mentioned above, the animals used are mice, goats and rabbits, however, the choice is not limited only to these. Guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, and sheep are also known to be involved in the creation of polyclonal antibodies. Animals have to demonstrate the characteristics required for the creation of antibodies, which is quite significant. If it requires a greater amount of blood plasma, using a large animal would be more beneficial because they produce a substantial amount of blood plasma. In this case, goats and horses are the best choice.

What are they used?
Polyclonal antibodies are very useful when it comes to blood test. These antibodies are attached to proteins, and because several blood disorders are located precisely by the existence of irregular blood proteins, polyclonal antibodies can assist physicians in locating these diseases early enough. The polyclonal antibodies also have the ability to be used as proof of tissue to look for particular antigens in different tissues of the body. The use of polyclonal antibody test has also assisted tissue characterization and detection of breast cancer. Another interesting use of polyclonal antibodies is their help in the treatment of venomous bites and stings.

While monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are quite efficient in the world of medicine, (antibodies) are produced quite differently and may be useful in different ways. Polyclonal antibodies are quite useful in both examinations and in testing blood tissues also have the ability to assist in making a diagnosis of serious diseases.

As it is informed about the manufacture and use of polyclonal antibodies, you have the ability to determine if they can be effective in assisting in the detection of disease, whether you or a loved one. Always discuss these decisions with your doctor and if you think that the polyclonal antibodies are able to help.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to be important for neuronal differentiation, survival, migration and plasticity in both the developing embryo and adult synapses. The BDNF antibody is also proving to be an important tool in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research.

AD is characterized by synaptic loss and neurodegeneration. In 2009, A.H Nagahara et al. used BDNF antibody products in a series of AD animal studies, designed to investigate the possible therapeutic benefits of BDNF when administered as a drug. BDNF was administered to the brains of rats and primates, specifically targeting the hippocampus and cerebral cortex – two regions which are severely impaired in AD.

A transgenic mouse model of AD was first developed, and lentiviral vectors constitutively expressing Bdnf-GFP injected into the entorhinal cortex (ERC). Synaptic marker antibodies for Green Fluorescent Protein revealed that BDNF reversed synaptic loss, with the protein elevated in the hippocampus as well as the ERC. This was to be expected, as the ERC neurons extend into the layers of the hippocampus, and BDNF is known to undergo anterograde transport along this route.

In a parallel study, administration of recombinant BDNF to the ERC of aged rats showing cognitive impairment resulted in improved memory and spatial learning in maze tests, as had been seen with the mice. Similar results were obtained in aged impaired primates.

The BDNF antibody also revealed improved BDNF overexpression improved synaptic plasticity, in an animal model of Huntingdon’s disease. The focus is now on identifying underlying mechanisms of action. To this end, Dean et al recently identified Synaptotagmin-IV as a factor in BDNF expression. We at Novus Biologicals offer a comprehensive range of antibodies and related reagents for BDNF research and related neuroscience studies.