4. Detection of Insulin Production by Immunohistochemistry
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Detection of insulin by immunocytochemistry is one of the most powerful and sensitive techniques available to monitor levels
of expression in islets (1), β-cells in culture (2), tissue samples (3), and cells transgenically expressing the insulin gene (4). Like all immunocytochemistry techniques, much depends on the availability of a high-quality primary antibody. Species-specific
insulin antibodies are now available from a number of commercial sources (including Santa Cruz), and these allow sensitive
and specific detection of even very low levels of expression. Described below is the protocol for detection of insulin in
β-cell lines in culture, using a FITC-coupled secondary antibody. A broad range of secondary antibodies are also available,
including fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate (TRITC), and biotin-labeling, among others.
For cells in culture, two-well, four-well, or eight-well chamber slides are recommended (available from several commercial
sources, including Nunc), as these allow rapid and simple processing of large numbers of replicate samples, with small volumes
of antibody. However, the following protocol can also be applied to cells grown on coated cover slips. The methods described
here are for analysis by fluorescence microscopy. For analysis of insulin expression in intact islets, confocal microscopy
would be required (1).
Affiliation(s): (2) School of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, The Medical School, Framlington Place, UK
Book Title: Diabetes Mellitus: Methods and Protocols
Series: Methods in Molecular Medicine | Volume: 83 | Pub. Date: Feb-04-2003 | Page Range: 47-49 | DOI: 10.1385/1-59259-377-1:047
Subject: Molecular Medicine
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