Paired indirect immunoenzyme staining with primary antibodies from the same species. Application of horseradish peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase as sequential labels

Summary Paired indirect immunoenzyme staining based on primary antisera from the same species was performed sequentially without intermediate antibody elution. The first antigen was labelled brown by an immunoperoxidase procedure (either the two-stage indirect method, the unlabelled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase method, or the avidin-biotin bridge method using diaminobenzidine (DAB) and hydrogen peroxide as the substrates. The second antigen was labelled blue by applying a two-stage indirect immuno-alkaline phosphatase procedure using naphthol AS phosphate and Fast Blue BB salt as the substrate. In this way, polyclonal mucosal immunocytes were revealed in distinctly contrasting colours when stained for and light chains. Glucagon and somatostatin (D) cells in human pancreatic islets, and gastrin and D cells in human gastric antral glands, were likewise clearly differentiated. Conversely, a mixed colour appeared in some immunocytes after staining for and chains. However, unbalanced colour mixing was sometimes difficult to interpret, and additional experiments demonstrated that unwanted interactions could take place between the two sequences of reagents if the density of the DAB deposits was insufficient. These pitfalls were incompatible with unequivocal double staining in the same cell. Nevertheless, paired staining could be conveniently applied with the described procedures when prior knowledge had established that the antigens in question were located in separate cells.     

Microwaving for double indirect immunofluorescence with primary antibodies from the same species and for staining of mouse tissues with mouse monoclonal antibodies

Many methods have been devised for double immunocytochemical staining. We now describe that moderate microwaving does not elute antibodies, but prevents their reactions with subsequently applied reagents. Thus, microwaving performed in between the first and second staining cycles permits double indirect immunofluorescence staining with antibodies raised in the same species. Moreover, microwaving also inhibits reactions with endogenous immunoglobulins present in extracellular compartments. This substantially reduces background in indirect immunostaining of mouse tissues with mouse monoclonal antibodies. Accepted: 19 October 1999     

Three-dimensional immunofluorescent double labelling using polyclonal antibodies derived from the same species: enterocytic colocalization of chylomicrons with Golgi apparatus

Double immunolabelling is a useful technique to determine cellular colocalization of proteins, but is prone to false-positive staining because of cross-reactivity between antibodies. In this study, we established a simple and quick method to demonstrate the immunofluorescent double labelling with two rabbit-derived polyclonal antibodies. The principle used was to establish a dilution of primary antibody for the first protein of interest, which would only be detectable following biotin-avidin amplification. Thereafter, the second protein of interest was assessed via standard secondary antibody detection, ensuring no cross-reactivity with the first protein antibody-antigen complex. We successfully demonstrated the three-dimensional colocalization of enterocytic apolipoprotein B, an equivocal marker of intestinal lipoproteins with Golgi apparatus. Colocalization of apo B and Golgi apparatus (75.2 +/- 8.5%) is consistent with the purported mode of secretion of these macromolecules.     

Chromogen-based immunohistochemical method for elucidation of the coexpression of two antigens using antibodies from the same species

The authors established a chromogen-based, double immunolabeling method using antibodies from the same species without any unwanted cross-reactivity. In addition, time-consuming staining steps were shortened by using polymer-based secondary antibodies. Taking advantage of the nature of the chromogen 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC), which is used as a horseradish peroxidase substrate for antibody detection, the AEC-derived signals in the first color development were easily eliminated by alcohol treatment. Therefore, the signals from the first staining did not interfere with those from the subsequent second staining, which used the chromogen 3,3'-diaminobenzidine. The co-localization of antigens within the same cell could be confirmed using this method, because cell images of the individual dye staining steps could be obtained and developed. The images from each step could be expressed in pseudo-colors in a dark field by using a computer. As a result, merged images could be constructed that resembled the images acquired by the fluorescent immunolabeling technique. The resolution of this method enabled analysis of the coexpression of two antigens in the same cell in the same section. The authors have named this staining technique the elucidation of the coexpression of two antigens in a cell using antibodies from the same species (ECSS).     

Ultrastructural localization of rat Clara cell 10 KD secretory protein by the immunogold technique using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

Using a monoclonal antibody and affinity-purified polyclonal antiserum against a 10 KD protein isolated from rat pulmonary lavage, we have localized the protein within Clara cells by a post-embedment protein A-gold technique. The gold particles were localized over the secretory granules of rat Clara cells. Ultrastructural immunolocalization was abolished when the primary antibodies were previously absorbed with purified 10 KD protein. Other pulmonary cells, including type II pneumocytes and ciliated cells, were negative with this technique. These results demonstrate the presence of the 10 KD protein in the secretory granules of the Clara cell and support the concept that this protein constitutes a specific and unique secretory product of Clara cells.     

A method for the quantitation of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) in biological fluids using a labeled avidin-biotin technique.

An improved method for the detection and quantitation of hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) (HA) in biological fluids is described. The principle on which the method is based is that HA binds strongly to a biotinylated HA-binding protein (B-HABP) which was prepared from cartilage proteoglycans. HA was immobilized on polyvinyl chloride plates which had been precoated with poly-L-lysine. The unknown sample or HA standards together with excess B-HABP are then added. The B-HABP that binds to the immobilized HA is then incubated with the enzyme-conjugated avidin (e.g., alkaline phosphatase), and the color which develops on addition of enzyme substrate (e.g., p-nitrophenyl phosphate) is determined by light absorption using a microtitration plate reader. The assay is not only convenient and reliable but is capable of measuring HA in solution at the picogram level. The assay was used to determine HA levels in human sera and synovial fluid taken from volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.     

Localization of yolk proteins and their possible precursors using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, in Helix aspersa.

Three major yolk proteins of 140, 100, 80 KD and a faint band of 440 KD were determined by gradient gel electrophoresis in the mature eggs of Helix aspersa. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were raised against mature oocyte extracts. The binding sites of these rabbit and hybridoma antibodies with the different yolk protein components were identified with a combination of WESTERN blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence and immunogold staining. All these techniques demonstrated materials immunologically similar to vitellins in the hemolymph and in the glandular cells of the digestive gland. The data suggest that, for its vitellogenesis, the garden-snail utilizes a heterosynthetic mechanism similar to that known in oviparous animals. The vitellogenins would be produced by the digestive gland.     

Quantitation and intracellular localization of the 85K heat shock protein by using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies.

Two monoclonal antibodies have been produced against the human 85,000-molecular-weight heat shock protein (hsp85). One of these, 16F1, cross-reacts with the murine homolog and is shown by peptide map immunoblots to be directed against an epitope different from that recognized by the other monoclonal antibody, 9D2. Both monoclonal antibodies recognize only a single Mr-85,000 species in two-dimensional immunoblots. Immunoprecipitation did not reveal an association of this heat shock protein with any other protein in HeLa cells. Immunoperoxidase staining showed a purely cytosolic distribution at both light and electron microscopic levels and no association with membranes, mitochondria, or other organelles. The 9D2 monoclonal and a polyclonal antimurine hsp85 antibody were used to identify the antigens and to quantitate their levels in a variety of normal tissues by immunoautoradiography. Relative abundance in the various tissues as determined by Coomassie blue staining correlates reasonably well with the immunoreactivity. Testis and brain, for example, have high hsp85 levels, whereas heart and skeletal muscle have little or none. The Mr-85,000 sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel band in testis and brain lysates was further confirmed to be hsp85 by one-dimensional partial proteolytic peptide mapping. Based on these data and our previous observations showing that synthesis and levels of the protein are altered by depriving cultured cells of glucose, we speculate that intracellular hsp85 levels depend on differences in the intermediary metabolism of glucose in the various tissues. Furthermore, it appears that high basal levels of this heat shock protein may not necessarily protect cells against heat shock, since testis is one of the most heat-sensitive tissues and has the highest hsp85 level.     

Optimal immunoreactivity of keratin proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue requires preliminary trypsinization. An immunoperoxidase study of various tumours using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

The effect of preliminary trypsinization on the immunoreactivity of keratin proteins in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of a variety of tumors (squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, mesotheliomas, and transitional cell carcinomas) was evaluated. Three types of trypsin (Type II and Type IX porcine trypsin and Type III bovine trypsin) and varying concentrations of trypsin were assessed. Immunoreactivity of keratin proteins was determined using rabbit anti-keratin antibodies and monoclonal antibodies (combination of AE1 and AE3) and immunoperoxidase techniques. Preliminary trypsinization was mandatory for optimal immunoreactivity of keratin proteins using either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Excellent results were obtained using Type II porcine trypsin at concentrations of 25 mg/dl for 30-45 min or 50 mg/dl for 20 min, at 37 degrees C. Trypsin treatment with excessive concentrations of enzyme and/or extended incubation times promoted tissue digestion and in some cases, yielded decreased immunoreactivity and altered staining patterns.     

Simultaneous demonstration of multiple antigens by indirect immunofluorescence or immunogold staining. Novel light and electron microscopical double and triple staining method employing primary antibodies from the same species

Available techniques for light and electron microscopical double immunocytochemical staining are all associated with certain problems. We have developed a novel multiple staining procedure, which allows use of antibodies of differing specificities, raised in the same species (e.g. rabbit). Its essential features include 1) saturation of antigenic epitopes on the first layer primary antiserum by second (fluorophor- or gold-) labelled anti-IgG antibodies and 2) denaturation of free anti-IgG binding sites by formaldehyde vapour treatment. Various combinations of gastrin, somatostatin, glucagon, ACTH, growth hormone and enkephalin/endorphin antibodies have been tested at the light and electron microscopical level and have been found to give highly reproducible double- and triple-staining results. The technique has also been evaluated by use of cytochemical paper models. The method is simple and very useful for multiple staining of a wide variety of antigens.     

Application of a rapid avidin--biotin--peroxidase complex (ABC) technique to the localization of pituitary hormones at the electron microscopic level

The new avidin--biotin--peroxidase complex (ABC) technique was applied to ultrathin sections of rat pituitary that were fixed with glutaraldehyde and embedded in Araldite 6005. The primary antisera dilutions that are normally applied for 24-48 hr with the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) complex technique were used. High background was observed with the ABC method when incubation times were 12-48 hr. Tests were then conducted with shorter incubation times. The staining intensity was measured with a densitometer. Detectable stain was seen after only 15 min in dilutions of 1:10,000 anti-bovine luteinizing hormone (bLH beta), 1:8000 anti-rat thyroid-stimulating hormone (rTSH beta), and 1:20,000 anti-25-39-adrenocorticotropic hormone (25-39ACTH). Optimal LH staining was seen after 30 min, whereas optimal staining for TSH or ACTH required 1 hr. Stain was detectable with a dilution of 1:4000 anti-human follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH beta) after 30 min and was optimal after 4 hr. Prolonged incubation times with these dilutions decreased the staining intensity because a deposit of high background was produced that appeared as a filigreed network over the cells. When higher dilutions were tested with 2-hr incubation times, optimal staining was seen with 1:30,000 anti-bLH beta, 1:24,000 anti-rTSH beta, 1:30,000 anti-25-39ACTH, and 1:8000 anti-hFSH beta. These tests demonstrate the potential of the ABC method for the rapid detection of small amounts of specific and nonspecific antibodies that are bound to pituitary cells.     

Identification, isolation and purification of neurotoxic phospholipases A2 from Vipera russelli venom using polyclonal antibodies.

All the neurotoxic phospholipases A2 present in whole Vipera russelli venom were precipitated selectively from other non-neurotoxic phospholipases A2 and non-phospholipases A2 fractions using antibodies (anti PL-V Ig) raised against one of the purified neurotoxic phospholipases A2 (VRV PL-V). These neurotoxins were identified and isolated in their homogeneous form by chromatographic and electrophoretic methods. The present report of selective isolation and purification of all the neurotoxic phospholipases A2 of V. russelli venom is first of its kind.     

An evaluation of species relationships in the Porphyra perforata complex (Bangiales,Rhodophyta) using starch gel electrophoresis

Traditional morphological features have formed the basis for distinguishing species of Porphyra. Among these features are number of cell layers, number of chloroplasts per cell, arrangement of reproductive structures on the thallus, and overall morphology. Chromosome number and chromosome morphology have helped corroborate some species identities. A survey of northeast Pacific species of Porphyra using starch gel electrophoresis of 15 soluble proteins has shown that electrophoretic banding patterns provide a reliable diagnostic tool for species identification. Data from starch gel electrophoresis are presented to confirm the identities of species formerly associated with the Porphyra perforata species-complex in British Columbia and northern Washington. Porphyra abbottae, P. fallax, P. kanakaensis, and P. torta are recognized as distinct species, and Porphyra sanjuanensis is synonymized with P. perforata.     

Quantification and identification of the main components of the Trichoderma cellulase complex with monoclonal antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Summary An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using monoclonal antibodies has been developed to measure the concentration of three main cellulase components from Trichoderma reesei, cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II) and I (EG I), in both commercial enzyme preparations as well as in samples from laboratory fermentations. The sensitivity of the assay is 1–10 ng protein, depending on the type of cellulase. The coefficient of variability is between 10% and 20%. By a combination of two different domain-specific monoclonals against CBH I or II it is also possible to quantify the concentration of intact and truncated forms of these two enzymes, respectively. The use of the ELISA to quantify the formation of the three cellulase components under different cultivation conditions is described. Offprint requests to: C. P. Kubicek     

The rapid demonstration and presumptive identification of Listeria monocytogenes in food using monoclonal antibodies in a direct immunofluorescence test (DIFT)

Two monoclonal antibodies conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were successfully used in a direct immunofluorescence test (DIFT) to demonstrate listeria in seven samples of soft cheese where Listeria monocytogenes had been cultured by conventional techniques. Using DIFT, listeria was not detected in 20 cheese samples from which L. monocytogenes had not been isolated, or was present in low numbers (< 10²/g). The DIFT was also used to presumptively identify > 90% of strains of L. monocytogenes isolated from food and cultured on Modified McBride agar or Blood agar. Less than 10% of strains of other species of listeria would be misidentified when grown on these media. All tests were carried out within 2 h.     

Development of monoclonal antibodies that identify Vibrio species commonly isolated from infections of humans, fish, and shellfish.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Vibrio species that infect humans, fish, and shellfish were developed for application in rapid identifications. The pathogens included Vibrio alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, V. carchariae, V. cholerae, V. damsela, V. furnissii, V. harveyi, V. ordalii, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus. Three types of MAbs were selected. The first important group included MAbs that reacted with only a single species. A second group comprised a number of MAbs that reacted with two, taxonomically closely related Vibrio species. For example, of 22 MAbs raised against V. alginolyticus, 6 recognized a 52-kDa flagellar H antigen common to both V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus; V. anguillarum and V. ordalii also shared antigens. A third group included three genus-specific MAbs that reacted with almost all Vibrio species but did not react with other members of the family Vibrionaceae (e.g., members of the Aeromonas, Photobacterium, and Plesiomonas genera) or a wide range of gram-negative bacteria representing many genera. This last group indicated the possible existence of an antigenic determinant common to Vibrio species. Two of these three genus-specific MAbs reacted with heat-stable antigenic determinants of Vibrio species as well as lipopolysaccharide extracted from Vibrio species. The use of the MAbs in blind tests and diagnosis of clinical isolates indicated that three different types of bacteria, viz., live, formalin-fixed, and sodium azide-killed bacteria, were detected consistently. Overall, it was found that the genus-specific MAbs were very useful for rapidly identifying vibrios in the screening of acute infections, while the species-specific MAbs and others were useful for completing the diagnosis.     

Development of monoclonal antibodies that identify Vibrio species commonly isolated from infections of humans, fish, and shellfish.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Vibrio species that infect humans, fish, and shellfish were developed for application in rapid identifications. The pathogens included Vibrio alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, V. carchariae, V. cholerae, V. damsela, V. furnissii, V. harveyi, V. ordalii, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus. Three types of MAbs were selected. The first important group included MAbs that reacted with only a single species. A second group comprised a number of MAbs that reacted with two, taxonomically closely related Vibrio species. For example, of 22 MAbs raised against V. alginolyticus, 6 recognized a 52-kDa flagellar H antigen common to both V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus; V. anguillarum and V. ordalii also shared antigens. A third group included three genus-specific MAbs that reacted with almost all Vibrio species but did not react with other members of the family Vibrionaceae (e.g., members of the Aeromonas, Photobacterium, and Plesiomonas genera) or a wide range of gram-negative bacteria representing many genera. This last group indicated the possible existence of an antigenic determinant common to Vibrio species. Two of these three genus-specific MAbs reacted with heat-stable antigenic determinants of Vibrio species as well as lipopolysaccharide extracted from Vibrio species. The use of the MAbs in blind tests and diagnosis of clinical isolates indicated that three different types of bacteria, viz., live, formalin-fixed, and sodium azide-killed bacteria, were detected consistently. Overall, it was found that the genus-specific MAbs were very useful for rapidly identifying vibrios in the screening of acute infections, while the species-specific MAbs and others were useful for completing the diagnosis.     

Gibberella konza (Fusarium konzum) sp. nov. from prairie grasses, a new species in the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex

The Gibberella fujikuroi species complex (Fusarium section Liseola and allied taxa) is composed of an increasingly large number of morphological, biological and phylogenetic species. Most of the known species in this group have been isolated from agricultural ecosystems or have been described from a small number of isolates. We sampled Fusarium communities from native prairie grasses in Kansas and recovered a large number of isolates that superficially resemble F. anthophilum. We used a combination of morphological, biological and molecular characters to describe a new species, Gibberella konza (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population I [MP-I]), from native prairie grasses in Kansas. Although female fertility for field isolates of this species appears to be low, G. konza is heterothallic, and we developed reliably female fertile mating population tester strains for this species. The F. konzum anamorph is differentiated from F. anthophilum and from other Fusarium species in section Liseola by mating compatibility, morphology, AFLP fingerprint profile and differences in β-tubulin DNA sequence.