Protocol: Fluorescence Microscopy (Direct Immunofluorescence)

Bio-Rad

Immunofluorescence

For use with AbD Serotec’s directly-conjugated Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) monoclonal antibodies. PE- conjugated antibodies are not suitable as they are easily photo-bleached.

This method provides a general procedure for use with the majority of AbD Serotec reagents. In some ‎cases specific recommendations are provided on product datasheets, and these methods should always ‎be used in conjunction with product and batch specific information provided with each vial. Please note ‎that a certain level of technical skill and immunological knowledge is required for the successful design ‎and implementation of these techniques - these are guidelines only and may need to be adjusted for ‎particular applications. ‎

Reagent

1. PBS/BSA Phosphate Buffered Saline, pH 7.4, 1% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)

Method

  1. Prepare cells appropriately. Adjust cell suspension to a concentration of 1 x 106 cells/ml in PBS/BSA.
  2. Aliquot 100 μl of cell suspension into the required number of test tubes.
  3. Add appropriate volume of antibody at the recommended dilution (see specific datasheet for details). Mix well, and incubate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash twice with 2 ml of PBS/BSA, centrifuge at 400 g for 5 minutes. Discard supernatant.
  5. Resuspend cells in 0.2 ml of PBS/BSA containing 50% v/v glycerol.
    Note: It may be necessary to use a commercially available “anti-fading” reagent in place of PBS/Glycerol as a mounting medium.
  6. Place a drop of resuspended cells on the microscope slide. Gently add a coverslip (taking care to avoid bubbles), and view under a fluorescence microscope using a suitable FITC filter set.
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