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Assay of complement activation in mouse serum by ELISA
L J Morrison1, P O Behan, W M Behan
1Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, U.K.
Journal of Immunological Methods
|February 9, 1990
Summary
We developed a simple ELISA assay to measure complement activation in mouse serum. This method reveals significant differences in complement activity across various mouse strains, offering advantages over existing techniques.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Assay Development
Background:
- Complement activation is crucial in immune responses and disease pathogenesis.
- Existing methods for measuring complement activation in mouse serum are often complex or have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a simple, sensitive, and reproducible ELISA assay for measuring complement activation in mouse serum.
- To assess classical complement pathway activation using this novel assay.
Main Methods:
- Developed an ELISA assay measuring opsonization of heat-aggregated mouse gamma-globulin.
- Utilized purified gamma-globulin bound to a solid phase for detection.
- Assayed complement activation in sera from various mouse strains (autoimmune, immunodeficient, normal).
Main Results:
- The assay demonstrated sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Significant differences in complement activation were observed among different mouse strains.
- The assay primarily measures classical complement pathway activation.
Conclusions:
- The developed ELISA assay is a valuable tool for studying complement activation in mouse models.
- This assay offers advantages including minimal serum volume requirements and avoidance of species incompatibility issues.
- It facilitates the study of complement's role in various immunological conditions in mice.