Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Analysis Note

ControlAstrocytes, astrocytomas, neural stem cells.

Application

This Anti-Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Antibody is validated for use in IC, IH, IH(P), WB for the detection of GFAP.

Immunohistochemistry(paraffin):
Representative images from a previous lot. Pictures of Optimal Staining With Citrate Buffer Epitope Retrieval: Human Brain.

Immunocytochemistry:
1:200-1:1,000 on cells in tissue culture fixed for one minute in 3.7% formalin and one minute in -20°C methanol.

Western blot:
1:100-1:500 using ECL. Recognizes a band of 55 kDa. May also react with a band of 50 kDa.

Immunohistochemistry:
1:100-1:500 on frozen tissue sections. Suggested fixative is 4% paraformaldehyde.

Optimal working dilutions must be determined by the end user.

STAINING PATTERN:

The antibody stains sharply defined cytoplasmic filaments of astroglia cells in tissue culture. Stains processes of astrocytes in sections of brain tissues.

General description

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a class-III intermediate filament. Type III intermediate filaments contain three domains, the most conserved of which is the rod domain. The specific sequence for this region of the protein may differ between the different intermediate filament genes for type III proteins, but the structure of the protein is highly conserved. GFAP is the main constituent of intermediate filaments in astrocytes and serves as a cell specific marker that distinguishes differentiated astrocytes from other glial cells during the development of the central nervous system. GFAP is also found in the lens epithelium, Kupffer cells of the liver, in some cells in salivary tumors and has been reported in erythrocytes.

Immunogen

Purified bovine GFAP.

Legal Information

CHEMICON is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Linkage

Replaces: 04-1031; 04-1062

Other Notes

Concentration: Please refer to the Certificate of Analysis for the lot-specific concentration.

Physical form

Purified chicken polyclonal in buffer containing PBS containing 0.02% sodium azide.

Quality

Routinely evaluated by Western Blot on Mouse Brain lysates.

Western Blot Analysis: 1:1000 dilution of this lot detected glial fibrillary acidic protein on 10 µg of Mouse Brain lysates.

Specificity

Expected to cross-react with bovine and porcine.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Reacts with both native and recombinant protein.

Other species have not yet been tested.

Storage and Stability

Stable for 1 year at -20°C in undiluted aliquots from date of receipt. Do not store in a self-defrosting freezer.

Handling Recommendations:
Upon first thaw, and prior to removing the cap, centrifuge the vial and gently mix the solution. Aliquot into microcentrifuge tubes and store at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles, which may damage IgG and affect product performance.

Target description

55 kDa